had stories he wanted to tell. He was especially inter- ested in the life of Bayard Rustin; Ashley encouraged him to get writing. He wrote an ode to Rustin, a bril- liant proponent of non-violent civil disobedience, assigned to orchestrate the March on Washington, the unprecedented march for jobs and freedom. Prior to the march, Rustin had been exiled from the
Civil Rights movement because he was a gay man in a God-fearing black community in 1963. This was an uncomfortable moment of internal conflict—how much to focus on the right to be gay—and how much to focus on freedom for Blacks. “Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin is
being directed by Phylicia Rashad [of Cosby Show fame] she has been with us through two drafts and it is a real treat to work with her. Part of what is interesting to me is how the Black community, quite uncomfortable with homosexuality, negotiated that difference. I think this will be a fascinating show… to get the back story. The March on Washington happened just 50 years ago and many will have lived through these moments in history,” says Ashley. This year Ashley is directing two of the readings
and it is safe to assume he had his pick of the litter. “I am really excited; one is serious and thought- provoking, Higher by Carey Perloff, the other, Martín Zimmerman’s Let Me Count the Ways, is hot and ridiculously sexy.” Upon reviewing the lineup of new plays, the read-
ings seem very well-rounded. Ashley appreciated that observation, “We want to produce a series of plays that looks like and feels as diverse as America. Who wants to get to a party and find that everyone looks and thinks the same?” I am thankful for Ashley’s vision and for the ac-
cessibility of theatre to all. Tickets for Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin are just $15 and the six other play readings are free of charge! But don’t be fooled. Make a reservation through the box office because these seats go quickly. Why make it so accessible? “It is important to invite
an audience in to see a play get made and not just the end product. To see a playwright find his or her story and voice; to be honest responders in the talkbacks, you may completely turn the course of that play. A play really profits and changes because of what a compassionate and smart audience says in the early stages,” says Ashley.
The DNA New Work Series is coming back to La Jolla Play- houseMonday, February 17 through Sunday March 2. For tickets and more information call 858.550.1010 or go to
lajollaplayhouse.org.
The Lineup: 2014DNA New Work Series:
In Workshop: BLUEPRINTS TO FREEDOM: AN ODE TO BAYARD RUSTIN By Michael Benjamin Washington Directed by Phylicia Rashad February 21, 22, 23; March 1 and 2. Bayard Rustin—the brilliant proponent of
non-violent civil disobedience—is assigned to orchestrate an unprecedented 1963 march for jobs and freedom. Exiled from the movement because he was a gay man, Rustin grapples with his chance for restoration as he masterminds “a tribute to the ances- tors” a century after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
LET ME COUNT THE WAYS By Martín Zimmerman Directed by Christopher Ashley Monday, February 17 The clandestine publication of 16 sexually explicit
prints provokes a battle between the libertine poet Pietro Aretino and the pious bishop Gian Matteo Gib- erti over the mind, loins and soul of Pope Clement. Funny, sexy and dangerous, Let Me Count the Ways charts pornography‘s beginnings and explores the sins that lie beneath our moral edifices.
THE ENVELOPE By Alex Lewin Directed by Tom Dugdale Thursday, February 20 Brian Ross is an idealistic college student (and
Senator‘s son) whose political blog has made him a target of death threats. His world is turned upside- down when he acquires an envelope whose top- secret contents hit very close to home. The Envelope asks how much we actually want to know about what our government does to keep us safe—and exam- ines the consequences of taking a stand.
HIGHER By Carey Perloff Directed by Christopher Ashley Saturday, February 22 A high-powered Jewish architect, madly in love
with an equally talented colleague, discovers that she is his rival in a competition to design a memorial in Israel. From New York apartments to the muddy shores of Israel, the two architects become increas- ingly ensnared in memory, desire and betrayal.
THE BROTHERS PARANORMAL By Prince Gomolvilas Directed by Jeff Liu Monday, February 24 Thai-American brothers Max and Visarut run a
company that specializes in debunking paranormal sightings—but their newest client, Delia, is certain that the young Asian apparition in her house is real.
TRANQUIL By Andrew Rosendorf Directed by Lucie Tiberghien Wednesday, February 26 Paralyzed in the car accident that claimed her mother’s life, 19-year-old Ellen tries to focus on mov- ing forward. But when the past comes knocking on the door—the family’s delicate balance is upended.
A Play for Young Audiences: THE SMARTEST GIRL IN THE WORLD By Miriam Gonzales Directed by José Cruz González Saturday, March 1 The child of hardworking immigrants, Leo Marti-
nez has convinced his little sister, Lizzy, that being the smartest kids in the world is the key to escaping their uncertain reality. After their parents refuse to let Leo compete on a local TV kids’ quiz show, Lizzy becomes determined to rescue their plan and see it through.
FEBRUARY 2014 | RAGE monthly 19
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