More from Humana

The HUMANA FESTIVAL is an amazing theatrical event. I saw eight new American plays over three days. It has been a wild ride…I am energized and inspired by this annual premiere theater experience. In addition to witnessing new work I had the opportunity to visit and network with other Artistic Directors, Producers, Theatrical Agents and Literary Managers. The entire weekend was all about seeing new work and talking about new work. It was a weekend jammed packed with passionate conversation about contemporary theater.

On Friday and Saturday mornings I participated in a Forum on New PLAY Development. We discussed a variety of topics including playwright royalties, marketing new plays, funding new works, world premieres and commissions. We also talk about the importance of second and third productions of new work. It was an important and at times intense discussion.

One of the highlights of HUMANA is the opportunity to talk with colleagues from other theaters. I hung out with Lydia Diamond (STICK FLY), Greg Kotis (PIG FARM) and Deb Laufer (THE LAST SCHWARTZ). Ilana Brownstein, former Lit Manager from The Huntington pitched two new plays for me to consider in 2010. She introduced me to Melinda Lopez (SONIA FLEW) in 2005 and Lydia Diamond in 2007. Ilana has great taste in plays.

It was a three day weekend of non-stop theater:
On Saturday I saw: UNDER CONSTRUCTION by Charles L. Mee directed by Anne Bogart, created and performed by SITI Company. This was a collage of America today, inspired by Norman Rockwell. It was a wild ride…
WILD BLESSINGS: adapted and directed by Marc Masterson was an exploration of the Kentucky poet, Wendell Berry.
THE HARD WEATHER BOATING PARTY by Naomi Wallace, directed by Jo Bonney, explored the struggle between industrial greed and growth, and the health of the community.
And on Sunday I saw Zoe Kazan’s new play ABSALOM, about a father and his tell all autobiography…a play about a family… their stories and their secrets.

It was an intense weekend…but so worth the trip to Louisville.

—Ed Herendeen