THE DEREK MONOLOGUES to Play New York Equity Library Summer Playwriting Festival

Les Thomas, West Coast playwright, will have a series of monologues showcased in the New York Equity Library Summer Playwriting Festival. What started as a mumblecore film, "The Derek Monologues" has found its way to the stage.

"She was not an actress by trade, but one of the finest ladies I will ever know. This one's for you," said Les Thomas. D'Ann Sanko, who originated the role, left us peacefully in her home at the age of 73. D'Ann helped jumpstart the playwright's career. She consulted on an essay regarding Shakespearean Higher Criticism that would garner Les a scholarship into the University of Colorado's Theatre Program.

In his play, "The Derek Monologues", an aging mother must grapple with the reality of her son's delinquency, its ramifications on her life, and how or if she can save them both.

Les was the sole writer in a nationwide essay contest to gain funding by RJ Reynolds, Co. to further his passion. He was recently a finalist in The Downtown Urban Theatre Festival for a divisive and once boycotted play "Tongue". Following D'Ann's lead, Les is currently working on a film adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale".

D'Ann Sanko once wrote, "There is a certain electricity about Les that prods us all to wake up and pay attention. He pushes us all to think a bit harder."

Martha Morenstein will star as the mother under the supervision of Johnny Culver.

His play "The Derek Monologues" can be seen during New York's Equity Library/Piney Fork Theater - 2015 Summer Playwriting Festival.