The resources provided gives additional insight into the world of playwriting. There is a guide to playwriting as well as commentary from real people in the field.
“No Hablo Español” explores the conflicted cultural identity of a Latina high school student who can’t speak Spanish. Playwright Rosa Estevez explains why parents born in a Spanish-speaking country might prefer English for their children. People behind the scenes describe the play’s fresh pathways for discussing cultural identity, the importance of authenticity and language, and the role of the dramaturg in advocating for the playwright. The play was part of the New Voices Young Playwrights Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville.
Andrew Branca, a high school student from Central Academy of Technology and Arts, in North Carolina talks about how he was inspired to write Boal after attending a summer theater workshop on Brazilian theater activist Augusto Boal. Cast members discuss what it was like to collaborate on the playwriting process and why they felt it was important to start a serious discussion on racism and Islamophobia.
Sensitive: This resource contains material that may be sensitive for some students. Teachers should exercise discretion in evaluating whether this resource is suitable for their class.
Diversity in theatre has come a long way, and it has a long way to go. This industry has been dominated for far too long by one sector of the population and other stories have not been told. This project encourages the students to tell their stories from their varied and unique backgrounds and share that with their classmates and community. Playwriting is a unique way to tell a story, and this is an avenue that many may not have considered. This project will broaden the scope of the students view on theatre and encourage them to step up and make their voice heard.
Prom night brings an intense moment of connection for two teens, unleashing a flood of texts and social media posts. Things start to move rapidly. How much does this relationship really mean? “Friday,” written by Hannah Schmidt of Fern Creek High School in Louisville, considers the role of electronic communication in the confusion of teen romance. It was among the seven short plays produced by the 2017 New Voices Young Playwrights Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville.
Sensitive: This resource contains material that may be sensitive for some students. Teachers should exercise discretion in evaluating whether this resource is suitable for their class.
Carmen must give a presentation in her Spanish 3 class for Hispanic Heritage Month, but she doesn’t speak Spanish. Is she less of a Latina, as some girls think? “No Hablo Español,” written by Rosa Estevez of Fairdale High School in Louisville, explores how language and cultural perceptions affect one’s sense of identity. It was among the seven short plays produced by the 2017 New Voices Young Playwrights Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville.
High school students Aiden Phillips and Hannah Schmidt describe what they learned about playwriting through their involvement in the New Voices Young Playwrights Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Teaching artist Keith McGill explains how he coaches young writers in the playwriting process.