Texas State hosts Black and Latino Playwrights Conference

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
September 7, 2011

Texas State University-San Marcos will host the annual Black and Latino Playwrights Conference Sept. 12-18 at the Theatre Center on campus.

The conference serves as a workshop and showcase of the work of students and professional African American and Latino playwrights, conducted by professional guest directors/artists. Reading performances of selected scripts will be held Sept. 17-18.

Admission is $3 for all seats. The event is sponsored by the Department of Theatre and Dance and the Center for Multicultural and Gender Studies. For more information, call (512) 245-2147.

The public is invited to observe the rehersal process the week leading up toStaged readings of plays chosen from around the country. Public is invited to observe the rehearsal process the week leading up to the staged readings (September 12 – 16) any evening from 6 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in the theatre building (430 Moon St. – San Marcos, Texas 78666).

COLUMPIO
2 p.m., Sept. 17
By Joe Luis Cedillo; Directed by Carlos Jose Murillo
What are the sacrifices we make for love and family? Columpio is a family story that centers on a struggling-to-be middle class Chicano/Latino family in a Southern California suburb, all taking place in a kitchen in 1983 and 1990. Juaney and Danny struggle to raise their children, Julia and Louey, in pursuit of the American Dream as their family is tested by racism, generational conflict and how far one needs to go to pursue one's dreams.

BASILICA
7:30 p.m., Sept. 17
By Mando Alvarado; Directed by Ruben Gonzales
Father Gonzalez returns to his home parish of San Juan to face the indiscretions of his youth. His return causes those around him to question their own guilt bringing about an explosive revelation. This new play examines the nature of redemption, confession and guilt.

MY TIDY LIST OF TERRORS
2 p.m., Sept. 18
By Jonathan Norton; Directed by Melissa Maxwell
The city of Atlanta is caught in the middle of the two-year long Atlanta Child Murders tragedy. Vara Johnson and her son escape the housing projects as she takes a job as a live-in maid and cook for a wealthy family in Collier Heights, the first African American suburb in the nation. But their welcome is jeopardized when her son reveals more about himself than he should. Suspicion grows and questions arise. Placed under the microscope, Vara finds herself even more fearful, not only for her son’s safety, but of the people next door, across the street, down the road…. and in the next room.