Ind-E-Focus

The 'nytheatre i' reports on Plays and Playwrights 2009 lineup;

This is the 10th volume in our annual series of anthologies of new plays by never-before published playwrights. I think these eleven plays represent the vitality, diversity, and vibrancy of NYC's indie theater scene during the past year. Here they are, in the order I saw them:

• Nowhere on the Border by Carlos Lacamara -- first produced at Repertorio Espanol in September 2007
• Sister Cities by Colette Freedman -- NYC premiere at T. Schreiber Studio in October 2007
• American Badass (or 12 Characters in Search of a National Identity) by Chris Harcum -- premiered at the FRIGID Festival in February 2008
• Conversation Storm by Rick Burkhardt -- NYC premiere at the FRIGID Festival in February 2008
• Hospital 2008 by Randy Sharp and Axis Company -- first produced at Axis Theater in June 2008
• Death at Film Forum by Eric Bland -- premiered at The Film Festival: A Theatre Festival at the Brick Theatre in June 2008
• TRACES/fades by Lenora Champagne -- premiered at the Ice Factory festival at the Ohio Theatre in July 2008
• S/HE by Nanna "Nick" Mwaluko -- premiered at the Fresh Fruit Festival in July 2008
• A Fire as Bright as Heaven by Tim Collins -- NYC premiere at the New York International Fringe Festival in August 2008
• Krapp, 39 by Michael Laurence -- premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival in August 2008
• Linus & Alora by Andrew Irons -- first produced by AndHow! Theater Company at the Flea in September 2008

A couple of striking things about this book: it features three solo pieces (the most I've ever had in any previous book is one), which may say something about the resurgence of that particular form; and four of the playwrights are not based in New York City, which I know reflects the ever-shrinking world we live in -- NYC theatre companies look outward more and more as they find intriguing work to mount, which is a great thing.

As you can see, seven of the plays this year come from theatre festivals, which is more than in any previous year (and not just FringeNYC). This, too, I think is indicative of a change in the theatrical landscape.

Plays and Playwrights 2009 is targeted for publication in February 2009. You will be hearing much more about it between now and then... and I will be telling you soon about a new and exciting series of events we're planning where you will be able to meet many of this year's new playwrights! Watch for details here and on nytesmallpress.com. (Source: 'nytheatre i' - Plays and Playwrights 2009)