I've been stuck at home all week with that sinus thingie...you know what I'm snifflin' about, and one of the most frustrating things about it is that I haven't had a chance to get out to the EATfest.
I'm a proud member of Emerging Artists Theatre, and a fan of a lot of the individual playwrights. The play I'm FINALLY getting to see this weekend is Vanda's Memory River. Vanda's work in the last several years has focused mostly on period pieces in which unexplored/secret lesbian histories are dramatized, or look at a particular part of history through lesbian eyes.
In Vile Affections, which I followed through several developmental readings and production at the NY Fringe, and recently read as a published script when Original Works Publishing put it out, she tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a 17th century Italian abbess who was brought up on charges of false mysticism. In the time of the plague and the Inquisition, Carlini disturbed the Church with her visions and the way she ran her abbey. When she was investigated by an emissary of the Pope, the discovery of her affair with a young novice (one of the first written records of a lesbian relationship) was what eventually brought Carlini down.
In her next play, Still Photos, Vanda went to World War II, and examined the relationship between two women whose men were fighting overseas. It was as much a study of class as sexual relations, and how the world changed (but not enough for the women who loved each other) after the war. I saw that play through a few readings and at the Fresh Fruit Festival (and I STILL like the original title, "Why'd You Make Me Wear That, Joe?" better!)
The newest play (which was called Patient HM in development, and yes, I liked the original title, better...) is inspired by the true story of Patient HM, who had experimental brain surgery to cure his seizure disorder...the results of which changed his life (and the study of memory) forever.
Here's a link to Patient HM's obituary in the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/us/05hm.html
(And the first time Vanda brought the piece into Playwrights' Circle I said: you mean that was a REAL GUY? ...so much for my education)
Vanda has used the story, to create a dramatic piece about the nature of love and memory. In her play, a doctor (played by Michele Fulves), establishes herself as an eminent scientist based on her work with Patient HM, and sacrifices her personal life for her professional one.
Starting on Long Island after World War II (about where Still Photos left off), the play spans the years until the 21st century, as HM ages from a boy to an old man, still never quite aware of what he's lost. Vanda is herself a psychologist by degree & profession, and a college professor when she's not writing plays.
Memory River is in Series C of the Spring EATfest (one of 4 evenings of new work); it's playing Wednesday & Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 1pm, at TADA Theatre, 15 W. 28th St., 2nd floor, through next weekend (Mar. 8). Tickets ae $18, with reduced admission for students and seniors. It's also an AEA showcase, so flash (your union card, you dirty things!) for one admission, based on availability. It's directed by Troy Miller, and features Paul Caiola, Gary Cowling, Michele Fulves, Matt Hussong, Lian Marie Holmes, Janelle Mims and Diane Tyler.
Here's a link to Patient HM's obituary in the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/us/05hm.html
Vanda has used the story, her professional background as a psychologist, and her considerable talent to create a dramatic piece about the nature of love and memory.
I am also a fan of the other EAT playwrights with longer pieces in this festival (Jon Spano, Ted LoRusso, Mark Finley), and will post more information about those shows. EATfest is at TADA this time out; that theater is at 15 W. 28th St., and you can buy tickets from the EAT website above, or in person at the box office before the show. You can also purchase a festival pass for all four shows for $40 (A BARGAIN, I tell ya!)
I will be the Staff Member on the premises several nights, and hanging out at the bar before Mark Finley's The Chiselers whenever they will give me free drinks (Oh... did I mention? When you go to see The Chiselers, you get a free drink and hors d'oeuvres!)
