What is going through a mother’s head when she is in labor? We loved Valerie Castro Singer‘s poignant, funny and lovely poem “Birthday,” performed wonderfully by Laurel Brittan at Cafe Stritch on April 11:
Thanks again to Valerie for sharing her words–and to Laurel for loaning us her voice.
Missing POW? We’re gearing up for our August 27 performance at Redwood City’s Dragon Theatre–stay tuned to learn more about the special show we have planned.
What stories do our bodies tell? We really loved Laurel Brittan’s April 11th performance of “Bleeding Heart” by Christina Shon. Sometimes one’s journey to find love requires a detour in the OR:
Big thanks to the wonderful Laurel for loaning us her talent and to Christina for sharing her thoughtful, hilarious and poignant story.
What does it feel like to shave your face–on a train? Watch as the inimitable Laurel Brittan performs an excerpt of Allison Landa‘s YA novel, Bearded Lady:
Many thanks to Laurel for joining us at Cafe Stritch in April to perform Allison’s work., and to Ryan Alpers for capturing the video.
On Monday night we gathered to rehearse for tonight’s show and the air crackled with electricity. Each story, poem and piece is dynamite, and our seasoned cast is more than ready to light up the stage at Cafe Stritch. Play On Words has existed for five years, and in that time we’ve gotten to meet so many amazing artists, writers, performers and patrons of the arts. Every show is special and every show is different. Tonight we bring Play On Words: New Horizons to life.
Join us at 7 pm to witness amazing performers read work by the following fabulous writers:
performed by Melinda Marks
One of the reasons we encourage writers to participate in Play On Words is to hear what it sounds like to have an actor interpret their work aloud. Even if the writer is a practiced and comfortable reader–or even a fellow actor, such as the inimitable Arcadia Conrad–there is such value to be had in hearing someone else meditate on one’s work. We were lucky enough to have the amazing Laurel Brittan perform Arcadia’s thought-provoking piece, “308 on 308,” at our Activists Unite show on January 17:
“308 on 308” is just one of the 28 pieces we have included in Activate, our forthcoming chapbook produced in conjunction with Flash Fiction Forum. We’re thrilled to have a few copies of this book in hand tonight at DeAnza’s Euphrat Museum, where a number of #powsj and Flash Fiction Forum readers will be reading their own work at 5 pm. Hope to see you there!
What did you eat for breakfast on November 9, 2016, the day after the presidential election? The subject of Faisal Mohyuddin’s poem makes a pretty clear statement: Sometimes you just need pie.
In case you missed her fabulous performance at Cafe Stritch in January, please check out the talented Laurel Brittan performing Mohyuddin’s poem, which was originally published on The Rumpus:
This powerful poem is included in our forthcoming chapbook, Activate, which we will have in hand this Wednesday, February 28, at a special reading at DeAnza College’s Euphrat Museum. Join us from 5-7 pm to hear a number of talented contributors read their work–and preorder your own copy!
What does it take to ignite a ten-year-old’s imagination? We love Laurel Brittan’s interpretation of “Glitter and Smoke” by Allie Costa, as performed at our Words & Music show in San Jose’s St. James Park. Watch Laurel bring Allie’s words to life:
Stay tuned for more footage from our July 14 show. Big thanks to Michelle Anderson for capturing this on film.
Just what does it feel like to jump feet-first into a well, when you don’t know how to swim? Today we’re delighted to feature footage of Laurel Brittan performing Pratibha Kelapure’s “Swimming Lessons” on June 3 at Cafe Stritch:
It’s summer–so good luck with all your water sports. Stay tuned for details of our July 14 show at St. James Park!
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at theater school? Mara Sherman‘s one-act, “Stage Kiss,” explores the flirtatious awkwardness behind scene partners who, um, get paired a lot. Check out Laurel Brittan and Gray Performs reading Mara’s play on June 3 at San Jose’s Cafe Stritch:
Does this inspire you to write? If so, send us your funniest, your most awkward, your most poignant stories at playonwordssj@gmail.com. Deadline for our next show is June 30!
Play On Words 