365 Plays in 365 Days. Can it be done? Suzan-Lori Parks shows a play a day can be written and written well.
Held at the outdoor Marina Pavilion in California Plaza, the Grand Finale of “365 Days/365 Plays” celebrated over 50 theatre companies, 500 actors, and of course, 365 plays coming to an end. Called one of the largest theatre collaborations in U.S. history, this national festival has been held year round across the country, ending it’s run on November 6th.
The grand finale consisted of seven short plays, collectively representing a week, each scene a different tone and mood. In a play entitled “9-11,” actors on stilts repeatedly chanted “nine” white suits to portray the twin towers while other characters metaphorically made their exit via a pool of water surrounding the outdoor stage. It was these creative elements that encouraged the audience to think abstractly beyond what was presented only on stage.
Director Nancy Keystone does a fine job of balancing Parks’ humor and drama in her quirky plays. Bright costumes and lighting combined with color combinations took people away from the outdoor theatre in the night to a warm and welcoming stage. Each play allowed the audience a look into Parks’ imagination and encouraged them to look inside their own as well.
After applause and bows, Suzan-Lori Parks announced one last play exclusive to the evening. The play, titled “The rage against Galeen,” was dedicated to Galeen Roe, who had seen every production of “365” in Los Angeles. It is audience members like Roe who truly represent and appreciate the liveliness and history of Los Angeles theatre.
Writing a play a day may seem exhausting, but Parks simply describes it as, “A daily meditation, a daily prayer celebrating the rich and strange process of a writing life,”
For more information on Suzan-Lori Parks please visit www.365inla.com
