New World Iliads, #1

What an amazing night! I think this was one of our best ForePlays ever, in part because of the quality of scripts; in part because of the pairing of actors with roles and Kelly’s playful direction; in part because of the beauty of the space and the spirit of the crowd; with all of the parts cohering into a really enjoyable whole.

It was also our first time partnering with Carrier Pigeon, the amazing fine arts and illustrated fiction magazine. Artist Frances Jeter shared a work to help inspire the playwrights, and she spoke with us a little about her process. If you have not yet become a subscriber to this gorgeous publication, we highly recommend it (and my play The Midas Touch will be featured in issue 4!)

Here are some pictures from Isaiah that hopefully recall the spirit of the night for those who were there, and shares a little of it for those who were not. Thanks to Jake and La Botega for the space, the actors, playwrights and director for their work, and everyone who attended and made it such a fun night!

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: Chris Wight, Matthew Murumba)

The dread dog terror tortures The Bush in my play, Let Slip.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: Rachael Hip-Flores, Kari Swenson Riely)

Rachael as Renna tries to persuade Kari as Riely that everything they know about history is wrong…and they may no longer celebrate Rumsfeldia.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: Aja Houston)

Aja as Alcy in Johnna Adams Alecetis in Baghdad talk about her relationship with Apollo under an appropriately Apollo-esque light.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: Chris Wight, Aja Houston, Brian Pracht)

Alcy faces down her husband Mike and his Sergeant, who may also be Apollo.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured:Rachael Hip-Flores)

Rachael as Fatima may not be as helpless as she seems.
(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: Brian Pracht, Kari Swenson Riely, Rachael Hip-Flores)
In Erin Browne’s Good Dog, war dogs come home to a support group.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: Chris Wight, Matthew Murumba)

In the war dog support group, Bounder gives a little extra help to the new dog, Skippy.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured:Kari Swenson Riely)

In Liz Duffy Adams’ Bama-Sama, Kari turned in a bit of tour de force performance as a passionate lecturer of history.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: Rachael Hip-Flores, Brian Pracht)

Will Shrub find Sama? Not if she keeps moving that fast…or if he’s trying NOT to find her.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: The cast)

The cast sings Amazing Race, the song that ends Sama-Bama (and our night of theatre).

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum. Pictured: Frances Jeter)

The artists Frances Jeter talks about her haunting work that served as inspiration for the night.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum.)

The good folks at Carrier Pigeon, sharing their (beautiful) wares.

(Photo: Isaiah Tanenbaum.)