Frenzy Fest 2022 at El Barrio's Artspace PS109

Barrio Independent Productions returns with the successful “Frenzy Fest”, an initiative focusing on the social and psychological vulnerabilities of individuals and communities at large.

BIP continues its commitment to providing opportunities for theater directors, actors and playwriters through our international recognized festival in East Harlem dedicated to the human psyche. All short plays will revolve around some “Frenzy” episode (a phase in which excitement seems to lead us to unconsciousness, and that can become negative when control is lost, or behavior transgresses what society considers “normal”).

Celebrating that at last we can reunite at the theaters, after the long and difficult quarantine experienced worldwide, Although in the past Frenzy Fest has welcomed the categories of Filmakers and Screenwriters, this year we will focus in only one category: Theater. Barrio Independent Productions / Frenzy Fest have selected five (5) complete theater short plays no longer than 45 minutes to be presented in our festival.

The Festival will take place with a live audience at El Barrio's Artspace PS109, starting November 11th to the 13th and it will continue November 18th to the 20th. The jury and, the public that sees the 5 plays will be able to vote for Best Play, Best Actor and Best Actress. The Winners will receive the Frenzy Fest statuette made by sculptor Olivia Beens and the Best Work will also receive $500.00 among other prizes.

This year Frenzy Fest will be dedicated to Verónica Caicedo for her contribution to the Latin theater and film industry in a ceremony the opening night. Also for her unconditional support to companies like BIP. (Director, Producer, Writer, Founder of Caicedo Productions Corp. and two festivals: One Festival and the recognized International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival). 

On Sunnday November 20th, at the end of the last presentation will be the Award Ceremony and BIP will give three special recognition awards: Leticia Rodríguez (Executive Director of  “La Casa de la Cultura Puertorriqueña” who is supporting us since 2019) for being a pioneer with the vision to preserve and advance Puerto Rico’s national heritage in the diaspora, to preserve contemporary historical accounts in literature and art for our posterity, to educate, and to actively nurture Puerto Rican culture, Elliott Ortíz for his value dedication to the art (An artistic director, choreographer and producer /Founder and Artistic Director of Danza 10) and Rhina Valentín for being not only one of New York City’s leading figures in the entertainment industry, but for being one of the most influential Latin activist from Harlem (Named one of the 25 Bronx Influential Women. Host of Colors with Rhina (a talk show), Host of BronxNet’s OPEN).

Tickets for Frenzy Fest can be purchased at the theater entrance or purchased through Eventbrite in advance for a cheaper price. You can see only one play for $20.00 purchased in advance at Eventbrite and at $25 at the theater. There are also three different combos: Combo1: Two plays on the same night for $30 purchased in advance and $35 at the entrance. Combo 2: All five plays purchased in advance for $75. vs purchased at the door at $85. There will also be a third combo of a $5 discount for seniors and everyone with the 10029 zip code.

To purchase tickets online use the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/frenzy-fest-2022-tickets-426168299857.  

The schedule for Frenzy Fest:

Friday, November 11

• 7:00- 7: 30 pm - Tribute Gala (Free of Charge)
• 7:45- 8:30 pm:  La Otra Cara de Nadis: (In Spanish) “How much damage can domestic violence cause? When will it end?” By: Jose Adolfo Pichardo Directed by: Raúl Rivera

Saturday, November 12

• 7:00- 7:45 pm:  La Otra Cara de Nadis: (In Spanish) “How much damage can domestic violence cause? When will it end?” By: Jose Adolfo Pichardo Directed by: Raúl Rivera
• 8:00- 8:45pm Whiskey River- (In English) “Delusion whets desire in a bleary quest to spirit’s end." Written and Directed by: JC Augustin

Sunday, November 13

• 4:00- 4:45pm: Whiskey River- (In English) “Delusion whets desire in a bleary quest to spirit’s end." Written and Directed by: JC Augustin
• 5:00- 5:45 pm: "Im a Rican" Stand-Up Comedy (Spanglish) by Sully Diaz "Got the best of both worlds, and loving it"

Friday, November 18

·         7:00-7:45 pm "I'm a Rican" Stand-Up Comedy (Spanglish) by Sully Diaz "Got the best of both worlds, and loving it"

·         8:00-8:45 pm Última Parada (In Spanish) “An extreme situation leads a couple into a psychological collapse”.  Written by: Asier Kintana and Sandra Gumuzzio

Saturday, November 19

·         7:00 a 7:45 pm Última Parada (In Spanish) “An extreme situation leads a couple into a psychological collapse”. Written by: Asier Kintana and Sandra Gumuzzio

·         8:00-8:45 pm 4SZNS (In English) “A couple that stays together...although the seasons change of their love and inevitable outcome”. Written and Directed by: Mayah Lourdes Burke

Sunday, November 20

·         4:00-4:45 pm 4SZNS (In English) “A couple that stays together...although the seasons change of their love and inevitable outcome”.  Written and Directed by: Mayah Lourdes Burke

• 5:00-6:00 pm Closing – Award Ceremony (Free of Charge)

We are already accepting submissions for Frenzy Fest 2023 in which you can summit for the three categories: Theater, Screenwriter and Filmmaker. You can access the application by going to www.bip-nyc.com.