The Henry Ford College (HFC) Theater Arts Dept. presents its annual Spring One-Act Festival with four short works performed Thursdays through Sundays from June 18 through June 28 at the MacKenzie Fine Arts Center on the main campus. This is the 30th season for this annual festival.
Traditionally, the Spring One-Act Festival showcases short works that explore unusual themes, content or styles. Sometimes, they are simply shorter works by new or established authors. Usually, each one-act play is between 10-70 minutes in length and are directed by HFC students. The student directors have taken THEA 256: Fundamentals of Play Directing, which is a requirement in their associate degree of arts in Theatre degree programs.
For this year’s Spring One-Act Festival, attendees can experience the following shorts:
“The Zoo Story” by Edward Albee, directed by student Christian Plonka: Originally titled “Peter and Jerry,” this play explores the themes of isolation, loneliness, miscommunication, and despair. Peter, a publishing executive with a family, meets Jerry, a despondent man longing to have a meaningful conversation with another person, on a bench in Central Park.
“Variations” by Peter Appleton, directed by Reba Neely: A one-act play in which two couples are rounding off a nice evening with drinks and good conversation until a story in the local newspaper changes the mood, revealing deep, dark secrets.
“27 Wagons Full of Cotton” by Tennessee Williams, directed by student Anita Holsey-Banks: Jake, an immoral cotton mill owner, burns down the cotton mill of his long-time rival Silva Vicarro. Silva knows Jake was behind the fire but can’t prove it. He seeks revenge by seducing Jake’s young wife Flora. This play inspired the 1956 movie “Baby Doll.”
“The Problem” by A.R. Gurney, directed by student Josh Nielson: An unnamed married couple has grown complacent in their loveless marriage. However, the wife is pregnant and tells her husband that the child might not be his, turning their entire world on its ear.
Due to some adult content, individuals must be 18 or older to attend. Performances are 8 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. All seats – which are on-stage in an intimate setting – are $7. For further information and/or to make reservations, call 313-845-9817. Tickets are also available online at www.theatre.hfcc.edu. Click the “Buy Tickets” button.
Source: HFC
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