The reading will be held via Zoom on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
The Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop, in partnership with the Billie Holiday Theatre, will continue its Sunday Virtual Play Reading Series on Zoom with Impossible Theories of Us by John Mabey on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM PST / 7:00 PM EST.
"Impossible Theories of Us" follows Gina, a transgender woman, and Keith, a cisgender man, as they navigate the joys and complexities of their relationship. With emerging technologies offering a chance to connect with those who've passed away, both must decide what being alive truly means. This play is full of complicated hope, unfolding spirituality, and the dynamic ways one couple navigates mortality. It explores the possibilities and responsibilities of artificial intelligence, challenging our expectations of what makes us human.
John Mabey (They/Them) is a writer and storyteller whose plays have been published and produced in seven countries and throughout the United States. After living in Europe for a decade, John now resides in Atlanta and collaborates with theater companies worldwide, both virtually and in-person. Their work as a playwright is deeply connected to their career in Psychology and certification as a Mental Health Counselor, infusing insights about behavior, emotion, and relationships into their plays. John is also a published author on sexual identity and spirituality in academic books and journals. When not writing, they enjoy teaching and performing improvised comedy and true storytelling globally.
Denny (She/Her) as Gina: Denny is a writer, actor, and musician who has co-starred in "CITY ON FIRE" (Apple TV+), "POSE" (FX), and "NEW AMSTERDAM" (NBC), among others. Her 2021 essay "He Made Affection Feel Simple" was featured in The New York Times' Modern Love column. Denny is a regular contributor to RECKON.NEWS and is currently working on new music, a short film, and a speculative nonfiction book.
Garland Thompson Jr. (He/Him) directing and reading the character Keith, is an actor, poet, playwright, filmmaker, director, producer and Executive Artistic Director of The Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop (FSWW). His extensive career includes work with The Public Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, Los Angeles Theater Center, and Steve Jobs Theater, among many others. By promoting creativity and inclusivity, Garland continues to help shape the future of theater and playwriting through the FSWW, impacting both the local community and the broader artistic landscape.
Following the reading, there will be a moderated critique session where attendees can offer direct feedback to the playwright and cast. Join the conversation!
The Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop Foundation, Inc. is an arts organization celebrating 50 years of dedication to developing and supporting both new and experienced playwrights who tell stories of the African diaspora in the Americas, as well as those from other traditionally marginalized communities. It was founded in 1973 by Garland Lee Thompson, Sr., Morgan Freeman, Billie Allen Henderson, and Clayton Riley with an enduring mission to continue providing an artistic, developmental home for playwrights and artists who are shaping the theater of the 21st century and beyond.
The Billie Holiday Theatre, Inc. is a proud member of the Coalition of Theatres of Color (CTC). Public funds are provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the Office of the Mayor of New York City, the Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, New York City Council (District 36) with the support of Councilmember Chi Ossé, and the support of Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman. Public funding is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts.
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