JMPP Writers Celebrate Spring with New Monologues
It’s not your imagination. Storytellers are hung up on telling tales of descent, of protagonists unraveling under the strain of abusive relationships, addictions, mental disorders etc. Maybe it’s the centuries-old tradition of dividing stories into the tragedy or comedy category that’s doomed us? There are exceptions, but so many of these stories seem to end in death and destruction with the survivors facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
A program of new original monologues by The Jason Miller Playwright’s Program aims to pick up where these stories left us wondering. Rock Bottom: Monologues About Starting Over will be presented at The Olde Brick Theatre on Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday May 5 at 3 p.m. Admission is by donation ($5-10 suggested) to be collected at the door.
The program began as a writing challenge JMPP coordinator Alicia Grega placed to associate writers. Every serious playwright should have at least one monologue in his/her portfolio; even better if that piece can stand alone beyond the context of a longer play. While some writers have penned plays full of monologues, others, she knew, could benefit from the prompt.
The result is Rock Bottom, a scaled down presentation Grega likens to a poetry reading. Some pieces will be memorized and performed in costume or with props or set pieces. Others will be shared bare bones from a sheet of paper by the author or an actor recruited to “pinch hit.” Participating playwrights include Jeff Boam, Alicia Lynn Grega, Mark Meier, Sarah Stachura Regan, Rachel Strayer, Mark Zdancewicz, and Dawn D’Aries Zera.
The Olde Brick Theatre is located on the second floor at 126 W. Market Street just off Providence Square in Scranton. The entrance is in the rear of the building. Call 591.1378 or email nepaplaywrights@live.com for reservations (not required) or for more information.
