[NoHo Arts District, CA] – Conundum Theatre Company presents their New Works Festival at the Victory Theatre Center’s Little Victory August 29-September 7.
About New Works Festival
Conundrum’s New Works Festival produces eight new short plays by local Los Angeles writers and directors from marginalized communities. Each play is themed around social justice issues that are currently present in our community.
DC20
By Donald Riddle
Dating in LA? Now that’s a level 20 difficulty class! When cautious Dungeons and Dragons player Kelvin is asked out to game night at a gay bar, his roommate and Dungeon Master Marco tries to help him out through the power of the dice rolls! “DC 20” explores friendships and relationships of nerdy gay 20-somethings in LA navigating the world through the lens of Dungeons and Dragons.
TUFF
By Cris Eli Blak
A year after his son’s passing, Coach meets his old friend Goose at the bar. After Goose reveals information about Coach’s son, the two men confront each other over how their upbringings and societal expectations have shaped their worldviews. “Tuff” addresses what it means being a father as a black man and wanting a better life for your children.
The Accident
By April Littlejohn
A girl comes home late from hanging with her friends to find that her absent mother is home early from her date and catches her. They get into a fight that reveals secrets about the daughter’s past and defines her place in the family.
Strikeforce 1999
By Hector Malgoza
Struggling Mexican-American actor Miguel enters the audition room for Officer Leo in the next hit action movie Strikeforce 1999. When the executives ask him to read for Criminal #2 instead and “act more Mexican,” Miguel is determined to show them he can play any role he is right for in a surprising twist.
Coconut
By Bedjou Jean
In the near future where race change therapy is a reality, two patients meet in a waiting room and discuss why they are getting the operation. Walter, a black man, wishes to become a white Norwegian man. Maisha, an Indian Jewish woman changing into a Korean woman, questions why Walter would want to be separated from his community. A sci-fi analysis of racial stereotypes and what it truly means to “be yourself.”
Root of All Evil
By Christopher Lee Akens
Last draft pick LA Rams player Bobby encounters Greg, a homeless man, outside of the grocery store. When Greg doesn’t ask him for money and they strike up a conversation, an interesting friendship sparks between the two. Greg’s past life isn’t what Bobby expected, leading Bobby to confront how he views homeless people.
Seeker X
By Mario Vega
A 15-year-old girl journeys from Guatemala to Florida to find her long lost mother and seek asylum in the United States. The only problem? Recent budget cuts to the U.S. justice system means her trial is at the local Burger King, the judge is the assistant manager, and the jury is one random white customer. Seeker pleads her case through over-exaggerated lies that play into racist stereotypes. An absurdist comedy on the state of our nation and immigration.
The Strand That Beads Us
by Allison Fradkin
Turquoise is a pony bead who won’t get off her high horse. Magenta is a steed of a bead who doesn’t hesitate to read her the riot act. And it’s not just their colors that clash. Can Rainbow Heart, a charm who’s both intrusive and inclusive, hang in there long enough to string these beads together?
About Conundrum Theatre Company
Conundrum Theatre Company (CTC) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre company based in Burbank, California.
Conundrum Theatre Company’s mission is to build a collaborative, diverse community by generating opportunities for experienced performers with traditional day jobs and building skills for both youth and adults to empower them to create, produce, and perform in innovative, high-quality theatrical productions in Los Angeles County.
Conundrum was created to support a community of artists that are underrepresented in the Los Angeles theatrical community. Under representation includes: choice of shows and casting that prioritize certain voices over others; costs of training and rehearsal as prohibitive for those who need to pay bills; schedule challenges for those with careers/day jobs and/or families; children not having adequate arts access in schools, etc.
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To see what shows are playing, check out our theatre guide>>