Though the styles of these seven student-written and student acted plays include naturalistic drama, absurdist comedy, fantasy and even mixed media, many involve contemporary issues, including the effects of race, gender, addiction and popular culture on the characters’ lives.
For example, Christin Hunter’s “Bottom of the Bottle” captures a decisive moment in the relationship of a woman and her alcoholic boyfriend. In “Leap of Faith” Keosha Chambers explores misunderstanding in a same sex relationship. Jessica Charles looks at the influence of media on personal relationships in “Curse of the MTV Generation.” To help make this point, the live performance is accompanied by a video directed by Beau Hopkins.
In “Hurry Date” Alan La Police finds new comedy in contemporary boy-meets-girl. Sarah McKinney locates a mystical energy in a family dealing with a near-death emergency.
“The through-line of the evening is probably the need of human beings to make contact and connection, of wanting to be recognized, wanting to be heard,” said festival coordinator and HSU theatre professor John Heckel, “Which makes sense since that’s what the writers are asking—to be recognized, to be heard.”
The 14th Annual 10 Minute Play Festival: Wednesday through Saturday April 25-28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday April 29 at 2 p.m. in the Gist Hall Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. $5/$3 with a limited number of free seats to HSU students at each performance, from HSU Box Office (826-3928) or at the door. Coordinated by John Heckel. Produced by HSU Theatre, Film & Dance. Information: http://HSUStage.blogspot.com.