Denver’s Novel Play Summit: A Glimpse into the Future of American Theatre
The 20th annual Colorado New Play Summit, held February 14-15 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, wasn’t just a celebration of two decades of new work; it was a microcosm of the evolving landscape of American theatre. From talking lemurs to Aztec superheroes, the festival showcased a diverse range of voices and stories, hinting at trends that are likely to shape the stage for years to come.
Expanding Horizons: Diverse Stories and Cultural Representation
A key takeaway from the Summit was the emphasis on culturally specific narratives. Cowboys and East Indians, adapted from Nina McConigley’s short story collection, explored the rarely depicted experience of Indian immigrants in Wyoming. Similarly, Godspeed, set in post-Civil War Texas, centered on a newly freed Black woman’s journey. This focus reflects a broader movement within the theatre industry to prioritize inclusivity and representation.
This isn’t simply a matter of social responsibility; it’s a response to audience demand. As Grady Soapes, artistic producer of the Summit, noted, DCPA has cultivated a “new-play-dedicated audience” hungry for fresh perspectives. This demand is driving theatres to actively seek out and develop plays that reflect the diversity of the American experience.
Blending Genres and Challenging Conventions
The Summit’s lineup demonstrated a willingness to experiment with genre and form. Bonnie Antosh’s Lemuria offered a “cheeky nod” to Shakespeare’s King Lear, reimagined through the lens of primatology and queerness. Isaac Gómez’s Influent delved into the world of social media influencers, blurring the lines between virtual and real life. This willingness to blend familiar structures with contemporary themes suggests a trend towards more hybrid and unconventional theatrical experiences.
This experimentation isn’t confined to content. The staging of the readings themselves – moved to 600-seat spaces to accommodate demand – indicates a desire to reach wider audiences and create more immersive experiences.
The Power of Collaboration and Long-Term Investment
The Summit’s success isn’t just about identifying promising new plays; it’s about fostering a collaborative environment where playwrights can develop their work. The festival provides opportunities for playwrights to connect with dramaturgs, directors, and actors, and – crucially – to receive feedback from live audiences.
DCPA’s approach, as highlighted by Soapes, is shifting towards “deeper dives” into plays and “long-term investments” in playwrights. This model, where theatres nurture relationships with artists over time, is becoming increasingly common as a way to ensure a sustainable pipeline of new work.
Community Engagement and Intergenerational Appeal
The Summit’s appeal extends beyond industry professionals. The presence of families like Harper Skurky-Thomas and her grandfather, John Thomas, who have attended the event for six years, demonstrates its intergenerational appeal. The inclusion of a playwriting competition for middle and high school students further underscores the importance of community engagement.
This focus on community is vital for the future of theatre. By cultivating a love of theatre in young people and fostering a sense of ownership among local audiences, theatres can ensure their continued relevance and sustainability.
Looking Ahead: From Summit to National Stages
DCPA’s announcement of world premieres – bogfriends by jose sebastian alberdi and How to Conquer America: A Mostly True History of Yogurt by David Myers – both of which were previously workshopped at the Summit, illustrates the festival’s role as a launching pad for new plays. Soapes expressed hope that these plays will uncover wider recognition on stages across the country.
The success of the Colorado New Play Summit suggests a promising future for American theatre – one that is diverse, innovative, collaborative, and deeply rooted in community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Colorado New Play Summit? It’s an annual festival at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts that showcases new plays through readings and full productions.
Who attends the Summit? Audiences include artists, subscribers, students, and industry professionals.
What types of plays are featured at the Summit? The Summit features a wide range of plays, often exploring diverse cultural experiences and blending genres.
How does the Summit support playwrights? The Summit provides playwrights with opportunities to collaborate with theatre professionals and receive feedback from live audiences.
What is the future of the Summit? DCPA is focused on deepening its investment in playwrights and expanding the reach of the plays developed at the Summit.