Curated by Saffron Henke
Colorado State University Theatre continues our series of readings of new works addressing the hot topic themes of our times – issues that have pushed our culture to the brink, and that reveal whole new worlds of possibilities. A collaboration with professional theatre artists, faculty members, current students, and CSU alumni, On the Brink explores works representing a variety of underrepresented voices and perspectives.
CSU Theatre professor Saffron Henke’s goals for the series are to expose CSU students to work from artists they may not otherwise know, and to amplify marginalized, queer, and BIPOC voices in the theatre. On the Brink also encourages a curiosity for, and practice of, reading new plays, and brings together faculty, professional artists, and students in creative collaboration.
Plays are rehearsed the week prior to each reading. Free, public readings are at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Readings are followed by a facilitated post-show discussion at 9:30 p.m. that reflects on and processes the work and the issues raised by each play. Secure your free Zoom link on our ticket site.
February 10, 2022 – THE THANKSGIVING PLAY by Larissa Fasthorse
Directed by Saffron Henke
Starring Taylor Baptiste, James Fagan, Kaleb Hacker, and Alaina Noble
Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” white teaching artists scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month.
March 10, 2022 – SHADOW OF THE SON by Kate Leslie
Director TBA
Eternity is a long time to live by someone elses rules.
Artemis is the goddess of the moon, and her brother, Apollo, is the god of the sun. Expected to live up to the ideals of the immortals, Artemis longs for freedom and the opportunity to chart her own path. But when she builds her own world away from that of her father, has she simply traded one set of impossible expectations for another?
April 12, 2022 – HYPE MAN by Idris Goodwin
Director TBA
A rapper, beat-maker, and hype man start to find success making music together, but harmony is harder to find when the interracial hip-hop trio clashes over how to use their newfound platform in the wake of a police shooting. Hype Man is a rhythmically woven drama exploring race, representation, fame and friendship.