MFA CoLab New Play Festival

Led by faculty members Tea Alagic and Pippin Parker, MFA CoLab focuses on the exploration and understanding of the collaborative dynamics between actors, writers and directors in the creation, rehearsal and production of new work culminating in the MFA CoLab New Play Festival. 

The festival will feature the following four new plays: 

ISABEL

written by alum Ruth Tang (MFA '20)

directed by I-Chen Wang

It's the staircase in the woods again. You know the one. Mysterious, abandoned, the one everyone says you shouldn't climb. Well—maybe if you did, everything would be different. Maybe you would become something else entirely. Something you've always feared you secretly already were.

Featuring: Jacob Presson, Timmy Ong, Zoe Liu 刘心竹

BLOOD ON THESE HANDS

written by Luis Roberto Herrera

directed by Colin Wilson

A tale from the American Frontier told through the lens of the Latinx experience during these times. Through flashbacks and recollections we watch a journey of vengeance, betrayal, family, and redemption… “no matter what, one way er another blood is comin, and we’re gonna wash our hands with it…”

Featuring: Ana Grethel Solis, Kimberly Gómez, Ariel Diaz-Beato

THE LAST AISLE

written by Rebecca Akosua Asantweah Ford

directed by Jane Skapek 

After a catastrophic event leaves the world as we know it unrecognizable, a few employees of Bargain Town super-center become trapped inside the store. As the weeks and months drag on, they struggle to get along, trust each other, and survive.

Featuring: Booker Vance, Emma Rathe, Anne-Sophie de Villeroy

WORLDS MELT

written by Preston Crowder

directed by Kari Lebby

In this tale of betrayal and redemption, the worlds of four people collide, forcing them to re-evaluate the true value of happiness.

Featuring: Jerome Allen, Ky Fehlbaum, Haley Henson, Brianna Dodson

The festival will include two plays at each performance. Please see the schedule below:

Thursday, November 18 at 7:30PM

ISABEL followed by BLOOD ON THESE HANDS

Friday, November 19 at 7:30PM

THE LAST AISLE followed by WORLDS MELT

Saturday, November 20 at 2:00PM

THE LAST AISLE followed by WORLDS MELT

Saturday, November 20 at 7:30PM

ISABEL followed by BLOOD ON THESE HANDS

MFA CoLab New Play Festival Production Team

Scenic Design: Portia Elmer

Costume Design: Grier Coleman+

Lighting Design: Abby-Hoke Brady+

Sound Design: Ien DeNio+

Production Stage Manager: Lindsey Zinbarg

Please note that this event features unmasked performers. Proof of vaccination is required to attend this performance as per the NYC ordinance.

Presented by the School of Drama at the College of Performing Arts.