Woodstock Fringe Performs 'Playwrights Unit,' 5/11

Woodstock Fringe will perform a collection of some of their latest productions on Tuesday, May 11 at 7:00pm, in Greenwhich Village. 

The WOODSTOCK FRINGE Playwrights Unit is informed by one of the core values of WOODSTOCK FRINGE-the belief that the act of creation is an act of courage. A group of playwrights, composers, lyricists, book writers and actors gather every other week to share and develop new work. The culture of the Playwrights Unit is one of community, nourishment, honor, mutual respect, and professionalism. This workshop is best suited to self-guided professionals in pursuit of excellence, who desire creative connection, collaboration with peers and share excitement and joy in the creative process.

At Playwrights Unit sessions writers share pages or scenes from works-in-progress which are read by professional actors. They then may, at their choice, invite their colleagues to comment on the work in a structured critique designed to serve the needs of the creator. While there are few rules about the work developed at the Playwrights Unit, unfinished work, free of commercial constraints or contractual obligations is encouraged.

Other activities of the Woodstock Fringe Playwrights Unit occur at less frequent intervals. Several times a year Playwrights Unit members will be invited to one or more play reading retreats to be held in New York City and Woodstock, NY. These retreats are also known as WOODSTOCK FRINGE PLAY READING ORGIES. Hundreds of play scripts, synopses, treatments, performance art works, and Musical Theatre Works have made their way to Woodstock Fringe. We read them all and respond to those who have submitted their work. We honor the courage it takes to submit a play and share one's imagination, psyche and work.

Selections include:

MOONBITE...A DAZZLING MONTAGE OF RADIANT LUNACY by Ariana Johns

Moonbite is an hour-long weaving of comic vignettes inspired by the full moon. Approx. 25 minutes will be read tonight. The demented adventures include a couple's last dance to their warped song, a Sinatra-loving snake, a chanteuse's lively lament, and various encounters at a dangerous café. Cast: Mark Farnen, Ariana Johns, Caroline Kera, Mindy Pfeffer, Wallace Norman and Danielle Velkoff

CHAINS OF THE SKYWAY by Paul Graham

Chains of the Skyway is the story of two sisters and two brothers who meet at their family beach house following the death of their father. One of the brothers has been estranged from his siblings for a very long time and has news to share regarding their collective future. The work is a reflection on loss, memory, aging and, most importantly, the inescapable bond of blood ties. With Noni Connor, Mindy Pfeffer and Perryn Pomatto.

LISTEN UP, THERE'S A CLUE by Mark Farnen

On a cold snowy evening, a woman visits her ex-husband's apartment.

The May 11 show will begin at 7pm and is free of charge.  The Westbeth Community Room is located at 155 Bank Street Greenwhich Village, NYC. Visit www.woodstockfringe.org for more information.