INTERVIEW: Emerging artists receive opportunity with Rave Theater Festival
Photo: Ken Davenport is the producer of the inaugural Rave Theater Festival. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Press Play with permission.
Ken Davenport had an idea, and now it has come to fruition.
Davenport’s Rave Theater Festival provides new opportunities to emerging artists in New York City, and now audiences have the chance to experience the fruits of his labor. Throughout the month, 20 productions will run at Clemente Soto Veléz Cultural and Educational Center at 107 Suffolk St. in Manhattan.
The theatrical offerings are diverse and tackle a number of pressing issues, running the gamut from comedy to tragedy.
Immersive theater company WITNESS has crafted Noirtown, written by Michael Bontatibus. Audiences are invited to step into the world of film noir and a mystery involving three detectives and one enigmatic woman.
There’s 911 Gnomes: A Christmas Emergency by Sherrie O’Neal and directed by Crystal M. Griffith. The lighthearted show tells the story of gnomes who must fill in for flu-ridden elves in the North Pole.
Back is much more serious. The show, penned by Matt Webster and directed by David Perlow, follows two people brought together by unfortunate circumstances. Derek has moved away after high school, and Leah faces tragedy after a car accident kills her boyfriend. Both come together and must answer some deep ethical issues concerning a technology that may afford a second chance at life.
Sweet Lorraine, written by Adam Mace and director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, envisions a final conversation between best friends Lorraine Hansberry and James Baldwin.
Other offerings include everything from a show written by a 12-year-old (The Perfect Fit) and international productions from South Africa (Umshado), Ireland (Big Shot) and Australia (Girls on Tap).
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Davenport about the festival, which runs through Aug. 25. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What was the original inspiration for the Rave Theater Festival?
Because of my blog, I get so many emails from writers, directors and all sorts of theater makers around the world, who dream about getting their shows produced in NYC. But the few opportunities we have are only getting more and more expensive. So we started our own festival, which is also part of our grand mission to help get 5,000 shows produced by 2025 (see here).
How difficult is it coordinating all of these artists and shows?
It’s a lot … more than we imagined. Thankfully, I have a terrific staff who are all as passionate as I am about making theater. So despite the stress, everyone keeps a smile on their face. There is a reason a play is called a ‘play.’
What are you most excited for at the inaugural festival?
Meeting all these amazing artists from all over the world. We’ve got groups from Australia, Ireland, South Africa, and a 12-year-old from right here in the city. It’s going to be fun.
Do you believe there are enough opportunities in New York City for emerging artists?
There are never enough. But I also believe you need to make your own opportunities. Space too expensive? Perform in a park. Figure it out. That’s where the most brilliant innovation comes from … passionate people trying to figure something out.
When did you first fall in love with theater?
My mom tells me I first ‘kicked’ while she was watching a production of Godspell in Boston. So I obviously liked something I heard! When I got the opportunity to produce the first revival of Godspell on Broadway, I ‘kicked’ at the chance.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Rave Theater Festival runs through Aug. 25 at the Clemente Soto Veléz Cultural and Educational Center at 107 Suffolk St. in Manhattan. Click here for more information and tickets.
