6th Annual Black & Latino Playwrights Conference takes stage

By Alec Jennings
University News Service
September 10, 2008

With two featured writers chosen, the Black and Latino Playwrights Conference is set to begin its sixth annual event Sept. 19-20 at Texas State University-San Marcos.

The event allows drama majors at Texas State the opportunity to work up close with theatre professionals, where they can gain hands-on experience in the storytelling process and to learn from cultural and artistic aspects of black and Latino heritage.

“The intent is for this to be seen as a beacon for students of color, and for students to leave this place with a more well-rounded education,” Eugene Lee, artistic director, said.

This year’s featured plays are “The Giver” by Kim Dunbar and “Beastly Beauty” by Paco Jose Madden. The works were chosen from dozens of internationally submitted scripts which will be given staged readings from which students, directors and the playwrights themselves will critically discuss and workshop the material.

Lee said in the selection process the ideal plays they are looking for are those with a great deal of potential but are still very much a work in progress.  This will give students and participants a unique perspective into the creative process.

“These plays are young. They’re still in development,” Lee said.  “It’s all about the text and the collaborative phase of playwriting.”

Staged readings for “The Giver” can be seen Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. and “Beastly Beauty” can be seen Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. in room 209, Theatre Center, 430 Moon Street, San Marcos.  Tickets are $3.

For more information, call (512) 245-2147.