From the page to the stage, the Southern Writers' Project celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the southern storyteller. By fostering plays that delve into Southern issues and the African-American experience, SWP contributes nationally significant works to the American theatre canon. Presented by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, this new play program culminates each year with a lively three day weekend that promises an irresistible menu of stimulating theatre, delicious food, Southern hospitality and great opportunities to mix and mingle with friends and theatre professionals.
So that’s how it’s billed, but to experience the SWP Festival is something quite magical. A lot of people in the theatre community talk and talk about the importance of new work. But you rarely see a theatre with leaders who are really committed to making new work happen. And not just in a workshop setting, but the commitment to developing new work and new playwrights and giving them full blown, professional productions. And not to toot our own horn but we are premiering THREE World Premiers next season!
And speaking of the incredible Ms. Wilder, which you know as the award winning author of Gee’s Bend, just wait until you see her latest! I sat in on the reading for The Furniture of Home and was captivated by her characters. Even with the bare minimum of staging, a chair and easel, Greta Lambert as Dottie and stage daughter Lori Prince as Kendall transported me to post-Katrina Bayou La Batre, AL where we saw the devastating effects of mother nature and the subsequent carpetbagger like tactics of real estate developers. However, this is not a story about a storm, but of hope and family. Make sure not to miss this one!
The Southern Writers’ Project Festival really is a special time at ASF. With great new works, amazing food, a slam jam, and the opportunity to mix and mingle, SWP is a true gem of the south.
- Kristi W
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