“Brief” is an interesting word. As an adjective, it means a short duration of time. As a plural noun, it is colloquially used as a word for underpants; in brief, what lies beneath. So “Briefs” is a perfect title for a co-production by That Uppity Theatre Company and Vital VOICE of short plays about gay and lesbian subjects.
Executive producer Joan Lipkin (the founder and Artistic Director of That Uppity Theatre Company) says that “the short play format provides productive opportunities for the multiple perspectives of several directors and playwrights,” and for these pieces to be examined beside and in relation to each other. She adds that “I’m really grateful we are partnering with [Vital VOICE publisher] Darin Slyman and Vital VOICE on ‘Briefs.” The VOICE has a multi-platform reach that makes it possible for us to connect with a wider audience and we are having a lot of fun working together.” And, while the subject matter of each of the seven plays is focused on the LGBT community, the event is billed as a festival and is intended for general audiences. There will be a bartender and a deejay, and a good time is anticipated by all.
The subject matter of Briefs is far-reaching and includes a mash up of 1950s values, the Wizard of Oz, and a zombie invasion. You’ll see two men trying to figure out how to date in the age of AIDS to what happens when a lesbian cop brings her male work partner home to meet her female life partner. We’ll meet a young lesbian dealing with issues of transgender and perception in a public restroom. And more. Really.
“Briefs” incorporates work written by artists nationwide and staged by a group of accomplished local directors. They include Edward Coffield, Bonnie Taylor, Annamaria Pileggi, Ed Reggi, Michael B. Perkins, Vanessa Roman, and Joan Lipkin. The directors have been working together to present the best possible showcases for their pieces. Coffield (who recently received a third Kevin Kline Award nomination, this time for his direction of Immigrants for The New Jewish Theatre) says, “’Briefs’ has already proven to be a very extraordinary dialogue with a phenomenal group of local artists. I hope and believe this will become another unique and traditional part of the St. Louis Arts Community.”
All of the actors are also from the St. Louis theatre community and include Robert Davis, Kylie Gregory, Ken Haller, Bob Harvey, Daniel John Kelly, Chuck Lavazzi, Theresa Masters, Ariel Saul, Troy P. Turnipseed, Erin Vlasaty, Donna Weinsting, and Bobbie Williams, among others. Together, this group brings years of professional experience to this fascinating project. In fact, this is one of the most diverse casts that will be seen on any local stage this year and ranges from veterans to students in terms of race, gender, age, and sexual orientation. Director Taylor notes that “Briefs is distinctive because the festival is the first of its kind in St. Louis, and it brings together gay and non-gay communities modeled by a diverse group of directors and material written by both gay and lesbian and allied playwrights” and actors.
Now before you panic at the number of shows, it’s necessary to note that these are very short pieces, around 10 minutes each, and all will be mounted at each performance. Still, Joan Lipkin’s contribution was judged worthy of inclusion in this year’s edition of Best American Short Plays and has been previously produced in London, Provincetown, New York and California, so that gives you an idea of the quality of these works. The bar is set high, and each of the participating directors is enthusiastically determined to clear it. Asked why they wanted to be a part of the project, they talked about the diversity of the material, being part of an inaugural event, to help provide an outlet for other voices to be heard and understood, and to work in a different format.
Several directors also expressed their desire to be part of a project with Lipkin who was honored recently with the Arts and Education Council’s Arts Innovator’s Award for St. Louis, is featured on the “Buzz List” for Alive Magazine, as well as being tapped to create new work at Yale and Auburn Universities. These are a few of the many accolades of her extraordinary career working with underserved minorities through That Uppity Theatre’s focus on important issues such as racism, homophobia, disability and so much more, and actually employing people from diverse groups as actors and other creative artists. Pileggi speaks for the group when she says, “I was thrilled to work with Joan again. . . . She is such a positive force in the community and this festival is an opportunity to be a part of the good work she does.”
Roman points out that “these are not traditional plays in the sense of what we think of gay and lesbian voices to be. Each voice has a unique sound and meaning.” Pileggi concurs, adding that “’Briefs’ is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity within the St. Louis community and within the GLBT community. It is a positive way to broaden our understanding of ‘otherness’ and bring ourselves one step closer to shrinking the gap between ‘us’ and ‘them.’ Of course, all the good intentions in the world would be just so much well-intentioned cant if the show were not entertaining, and we are promised that it is.
Lipkin says, “I hope the audience will have a wonderful time, will realize that entire universes can be contained within a ten-minute play, and that they have been missing hearing some significant stories and [will] want to hear more.” Coffield promises, “a fantastic evening of theatre that is entertaining and reflective.” Pileggi adds, “I want the audience, first and foremost to be entertained, “and Taylor says she hopes the evening will be “fun and enlightening.”
All the directors hope the festival will thrive and grow, both for the arts community, the public and themselves. Neophyte director Perkins relishes the opportunity “to expand my own artistic horizons and learn from the tremendous wealth of talent surrounding me. We learn so much, not only by doing, but by watching our peers.” So, can we resist this opportunity? Why would you even think about it?
That Uppity Theatre and Vital VOICE present Briefs: a Festival of Short Lesbian and Gay Plays
Location: La Perla, 312 N. 8th St., St. Louis, MO 63101
Date: February 24 at 8 p.m., February 5 at 5 and 8 p.m., and February 25 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 314-995-4600. Prices are $15 general admission and $12 students and older adults.
BY: ANDREA BRAUN – THEATRE CORRESPONDENT
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