By Dee Jae Cox
When it comes to imagination, inspiration and creative magic, there are no better offerings than what the Coachella Valley Theatres bring to their audiences. Each theatre is unique with their own personalities and colorful seasons, they are truly a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors.
A wonderful new addition to desert theatre in the past few years has been the Revolution Stage Company, founded by Gary Powers and James Owens, whose mission is to produce high-quality and affordable entertainment, that elevates theatre production standards. In an effort to promote that mission, they are currently producing their highly popular, 3rd Annual, 10-minute play festival, as a way to honor and celebrate playwrights.
The “official debut” of the 10-minute play is credited to the Actors Theatre of Louisville’s 1977 Humana Festival. This event popularized, Polaroid Playwriting. The Louisville Theatre used short, snapshot-like plays as a creative exercise, sparking a theatrical phenomenon. Beginning as experimental, the 10-minute play format has evolved into a major theatrical force known for quick, impactful storytelling that provides accessible experiences for both writers and audiences.
The upcoming Revolution Stage 10-minute Festival is scheduled for Saturday, January 10th and Sunday, January 11th and offers sixteen short plays written by some of the desert’s most talented playwrights and featuring some of the most engaging performers on stage;
Jackson Enzler, Mary Jo Thatcher, Charlotte Havely, Rebecca McWilliams, Jenne Carey,
Lin Phillippi, Constance Cilva, Danielle Kennedy, Terry Ray, Alex Bernhardt, Kim Ferse,
Ray Kelly, Roy Boucher, Richard Dachman, Diane Reed, Bunny Fisher, Imani DeLeon,
Steffon Martindale, Barbara Fast, Gary Powers.
The plays will be presented in two groups:
GROUP ONE plays are performed Saturday 1/10 at 1:30 pm & Sunday 1/11 at 5 pm
1- WOKE by Warren De Lange
2- UTOPIAN DREAMS by Bedjou Jean
3- DINNER AT HOME by David M Hamlin
4- THE ZULU SOCIAL PLEASURE CLUB by Gary Powers
5- DR. BEVIN by Mark Madama
6- GRAVITY Written and performed by Barbara Fast
7- PRODIGAL SON by Kirsten Fatland
8- THIRTEEN YEARS by Kim Ferse
GROUP TWO plays are performed Saturday 1/10 at 7:30pm & Sunday 1/11 at 2pm
1- A PIECE OF THREAD by Ronnie Sanlo
2- CORN NUTS! by George Kralemann
3- YOU DONE GOOD by Drew Sachs
4- A BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER by Patricia West-Del Ruth
5- SARDINE CITY by Gary Powers
6- AT HOME WITH ROSE AND GEORGE by Roy Boucher
7- BEHIND THE MASK – A JOURNEY TO THE SOUL OF AUTISM by Michelle Babitz and Robin Trigg
8- I SCREAM YOU SCREAM by Greg Brisendine
While it is important to note that only six of the sixteen plays were written by women, somewhat limiting perspective and presentations, these 10-minute productions are critical to the Playwriting process. And they allow audiences to enjoy snapshots of what may become longer plays.
Theatre is many things to many people. It’s living and breathing in real time. It’s the culmination of so many creative and artistic individuals combining their talents to bring a shared experience to the audience. Theatre makes you think and feel. It presents ideas and stories that enrich our lives and heighten our senses. It increases knowledge and literacy, shedding light on new worlds and experiences. Telling stories that help us to grow and become more a part of the world around us. Theatre is an integral part of our community. Two thousand years after the Greeks first began performing in the amphitheaters, theatre still provides the same magical experience that it has for centuries.
Make magic a part of your world and don’t miss this weekend of original short productions, that will mesmerize with authentic and poignant storytelling. These short plays vary in subjects and content, but promise to include something of interest to everyone.
Tickets are $25 per session and can be purchased at the Revolution Stage Company website:
