The InstigatorTheatre 33 presents three new plays this summer…
Theatre 33 is diving into Summer with a stage of stories intended to make you laugh. The local play development company is producing three new comedies as part of its “Three x 33 Summer Season.”
Although formed in 2014, this is Theatre 33’s first official season as part of Willamette University. And while still financially independent of the institution, the university is invaluable in providing space to rehearse and perform, and more.
“We have a place to grow within an institution that shares our long-term goal of creating a vibrant, expanded, summer festival that is a regional, destination event,” said Executive Director Thomas Nabhan.
Theatre 33 assists Oregon and Northwest playwrights to develop their new scripts from initial workshop performance with lights, sounds, props, set costumes and fully blocked with scripts in hand to a world premiere full production. This year, the program is running as a hybrid. Productions will be produced, and rehearsed in person then filmed for online viewing. Although there will not be a live audience during the show, there will be a live talkback with the playwright, director and dramaturg following each show where the audience can contribute feedback. This is an important aspect of Theatre 33’s collaborative work as they help these playwrights develop and hone their work.
To watch the performances, register to attend (here). You must RSVP before the broadcast day. You will receive a viewing link and information prior to the show. Admission is by donation to accommodate youth and lower-income patrons. The recommendation is $10 per show.
2021 plays include:
Russian Troll by Rich Rubin
June 17 through 20, 2021
Sasha is a Russian troll. Seriously, it’s his job – and a well-paying one at that. But Sasha’s life is far from simple. His boss, his mother and the woman he loves are all unhappy with him, and the foreign candidate he’s supposed to trash is far ahead in the polls. With things so messy, how will Sasha ever achieve his life-long dream – moving to America?
Unbuttoning Virginia by Nora Douglass
July 15 through 18, 2021
Unbuttoning Virginia is a comedy about dying. A woman near the end of her life finds her voice and takes on the machinations of an absurd and indifferent medical bureaucracy with the help of an imaginary friend. But while Virginia readies herself to permanently exit, she discovers her estranged children have other ideas and finds she must weigh her own wishes against those who love her and whom she loves. Teetering between comic satire and family drama, the play is a journey of discovery, reconnection and reconciliation for a woman who thought her life was over.
Merchant of Stratford by Maury Zeff
August 5 through 8, 2021
In 1600 plague-ridden Stratford, semi-legitimate businessman — and sometime playwright — William Shakespeare struggles to feed his family and finish his “greatest play ever.” Each Shakespeare family member mourns the death of son Hamnet in their own way — daughter Judith haunted by visions of her dead brother; wife Anne obsessed with protecting her family; actor brother Edmund perceiving reality as one endless stage play; and William lost in sheer denial. Against this shattered family backdrop, William must “procure” a wagon of grain, finish his play, and keep at bay Puritan authorities who would imprison him and keep theatres closed for good.
Get your tickets now at http://theatre33.org
In addition to the Three x 33 Summer Series, Theatre 33 is holding a free Introduction to Playwriting course July 1 through September 9 for Oregon high school students taught by Portland playwright Rachael Carnes. Students will each write a 10-minute play utilizing the skills they learn in the course, and each play will be performed by Willamette University theater students in the fall. Contact Thomas Nabhan at tnabhan@willamette.edu for more information and/or to register.
