The Fringe: Short Plays
Nine new plays by student playwrights are lifted fresh off the page and delivered to the stage. Directed, designed and acted by students, the Fringe is your chance to see 21st-century theatre in the making. The works from student playwrights explore a multitude of stories, ranging from the challenge of sobriety through a comic lens, the beauty and the price of family, the first day in the life of a gender neutral bathroom and the eternal question of what constitutes "art."
March 6 - March 9, 7p.m.
March 10 - March 11, 2 p.m.
March 12 - March 13, 7pm.
Free.
Throughout its existence, the Fringe at SF State has been an opportunity for the diverse and multicultural voices of students. It has produced many plays by Asian American, Latino, African American, gay and lesbian writers, delving deeply and entertainingly into the many aspects of culture represented in the Theatre Arts and Creative Writing programs. Fringe has produced work by nationally and regionally prominent playwrights, including Marcus Gardley, Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, Claire Rice, Christopher Chen and Evelyn Pine.
Program
March 6, March 8, March 12, 7 p.m.
March 10, 2 p.m.
Guardian Angels by Ashira Macy
In the aftermath of their best friend’s suicide, two young girls try to make sense of why she left them, as they sort through their own emotions. Guardian Angels is a story of loss, blame and mourning, but most importantly it is about individual healing for those left behind. Directed by Julia Livsey.
Enough by Haunah King
In a bare office, Young Harlow finds herself spilling every secret she’s had since the most tragic thing in her life happened. Without realizing it, she’s shared the things that not even her family knows. With a complete stranger. For 10 minutes you get to listen to the story of a young girl whose life has been full of lessons (some in the most brutal forms). You’ll explore love and understanding. You’ll uncover strength and courage. Most of all, you’ll learn the truth of a person that has been thought to herself as less than. Will Harlow uncover that she very well might be Enough, or will the shadows of her past remain present? Directed by Hilary Buffum.
Slurred by Kayl Frayre
In this short tale about safety and reclamation, a gender-neutral, single-occupancy bathroom becomes the last line of defense between a nonbinary person and a painful slur. Directed by Emily Stapleton.
Hands of Earth and Wood by Adam Ambriz
Is the eye of the storm really the safest place to be? Jonas and Peter are about to find out. In this southern gothic tale Peter and Jonas Sullivan must care for their mother and father, who has been “touched” by God while prepping for a hurricane that is about to make landfall. The rising waters are the least of their problems, as suspicions about a gypsy girl’s murder make the townspeople look toward one of the brothers. Jonas and Peter must protect their family name and maybe their lives. This drama explores family history, fear and what it means to be remembered. Directed by Bruce Avery.
March 7, March 9, March 13, 7 p.m.
March 12, 2 p.m.
Eye of the Storm by Derek Stern
As a storm rages on the night of Rosa’s 21st birthday, another one spirals out of control between her and her boyfriend, Isaac. A dying Rosa clings desperately to a love that has already been lost, while Isaac tries his best to fulfill his obligations to his girlfriend. A night that was once full of love and celebration is twisted into something vile and atrocious. When all your problems spiral to the center, all you are left with is the worst version of yourself. Directed by Thomas Nieman.
The Exhibit by Refugio Garcia
In homage to Annie Baker’s Body Awareness, The Exhibit is set at the photo exhibit mentioned in Baker’s play consisting of images of nude girls. Jim and Keith set out to lend their critical perspective on this exhibit, sharing their mixed emotions over what they’re looking at. The controversial exhibit evokes debate between the two townies as they argue over the artistic validity of such an expression. Directed by Terry Boero.
How We Remember by Steven A. Weber
Eric and Troy are two brothers who need to set up the reception hall for their cousin’s funeral. And they only have 10 minutes before the family shows up. In this life-and-death comedy, we find out if these brothers can set up in time for a funeral their cousin would be proud of. Directed by James Gregory.
Motive by David Skibbons
On the night of October 1, 2017, Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd of concertgoers at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. He left 58 people dead and 546 injured. He committed suicide to end the shooting. After an extensive investigation, the final verdict was that no motive for this act could be discovered. In this one-act, one-man play, Stephen Paddock returns to tell us why he did it. Directed by Terry Boero.
Suddenly Sober by Bianca Garcia
A 20-something year old San Franciscan finds herself navigating a life of sobriety after drunkenly humiliating herself in front of all of her peers. Again. As Alyssa struggles to maintain both a social life and her new straight-edge lifestyle, her friends are faced with the ultimate hardship: do we have to stop doing coke in front of Alyssa now? This comedy explores the hardships of facing addiction head on and making amends with the people it has affected… but like a comedy! Directed by Terry Boero and Bianca Garcia.