The free readings of plays on the Rep's MainStage include works by Javon Johnson, Guillermo Reyes, Vanessa Garcia and more.
The "Voices at the River" schedule follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 15
6:30 PM readings of plays created by young Arkansans Clinnesha Dillon & Spirit Trickey. Dillon's Tough Love "is a one-woman show that reveals the personal, secret and hard truths of motherhood that a woman must impart to her daughter." Trickey's One Ninth "is a poignant look at the 1957 desegregation of Little Rock Central High School through the eyes of one of the Little Rock Nine." Thursday, Aug. 16
6 PM "A soiree to celebrate courageous achievement and the creative spirit!" "Voices at the River" honors playwrights Lynn Nottage & Luis Valdez. $50 for reception and dinner (reservations required), Great Hall, William J. Clinton Presidential Center.
Friday Aug. 17
12 noon "Arts & Social Change: A Discussion with Lynn Nottage & Luis Valdez," Clinton School of Public Service (free event — reservations required).6 PM free public reading of Almost September by Ajene D. Washington. "Truths, hopes and dreams are revealed and ultimately challenged in [this] beautiful and thoughtful examination of desire. Set in a sleepy college town, this thoughtful new work revolves around the conflicts of an idealistic teacher, her young protégé and an alluring Blues singer/laborer."8:30 PM Free public reading of We Lost It at the Movies (With a Special Appearance by Rock Hudson) by Guillermo Reyes. "This tale embraces familial pathos and pops with salty humor and filmic references as Rosalinda and her son emigrate from Chile determined to make the most of opportunities in Hollywood. Does Rosalinda's passion end with the movie credits or is there a real woman behind that screen? Love, sexual tension and sensibility collide as Rosalinda tries to elude her leading men."11 PM Coffee House @ The Rep - An Open Mic Gathering with music and libations. Saturday, Aug. 18
2 PM Free public reading of Parked by Vanessa Garcia, in which "the extreme joys and tensions of two young architects, Luke and Lorena" are explored. "Friends since childhood, the duo undergo new challenges, obstacles and discoveries as they begin to design an 'open space/sanctuary' of a new park. This jaunty tragic-comedy with hints of magic realism explores the ever-fluctuating, sexy and potent nature of true collaboration."6 PM Public Discussion: "New Voices/New Horizons," hosted by Just Communities of Central Arkansas.8 PM Free public reading of Breathe by Javon Johnson. "Two sons from different families are involved in separate acts of violence in this work of poetic realism. Each must face consequences based not only on evidence, but also on the color of their skin. Both families attempt to break through their differences and prejudices in order to assist each other in finding the catalyst for their sons'violence."11 PM "Wrappin' It Up Party" @ The Rep. The "Voices at the River" playwriting residency and festival are helmed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, producing artistic director for New York City's Rebel Theatre Company. He has directed several Rep productions and is the lead artist for the creation of The Legacy Project, a two-year artistic event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Little Rock Central High School desegregation crisis.
*
Founded in 1976, Arkansas Repertory Theatre is the state's largest nonprofit professional theatre company. A member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT D), The Rep has produced more than 280 productions, including 40 world premieres, in its historic building in downtown Little Rock. Producing artistic director Robert Hupp leads a resident staff of designers, technicians and administrators in the creation of 8-10 productions for an annual audience in excess of 100,000 for MainStage and SecondStage productions, educational programming and touring. The Rep produces works that range from contemporary comedies and dramas to world premieres and the classics of dramatic literature. For more information, visit www.therep.org.
Arkansas Rep's home is at Sixth and Main Street in Little Rock.
