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ART THAT AWAKENS
CSP NEW WORKS FEST '24
Our fourth annual CSP New Works Fest celebrated the power of Caribbean diaspora storytelling, featuring four dynamic new works from CSP Artist Collective playwrights.
We are proud to share that HB Studio was our co-presenting partner.
The event was made possible in part by ARTNY Small Theatre Fund Grant.
Funds from this event will support 2025 general operations costs associated with our new work development & workshop initiatives and productions.
Want to end your year making a larger contribution to support Conch Shell Productions mission to create a space for the diverse voices of artists from the 28 nations of the Caribbean?
Go to our GIVEBUTTER donation page and make a tax deductible donation.
Co-producers: Magaly Colimon-Christopher, AnJu Hyppolite, and Rivka Rivera
Stage Manager: Joseph Flynn
CSP New Works Fest was presented in partnership with HB Studio.
BEGIN THE END
AUGUST WILSON IS RADICAL! OR BODIES!
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Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future, the survival of humanity above ground is dictated by genetic modifications overseen by artificial intelligence. Beneath the surface, an underground group of renegade humans, who possess the ability to self-procreate, wages war against the oppressive AI-controlled establishment. A genetically modified h
Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future, the survival of humanity above ground is dictated by genetic modifications overseen by artificial intelligence. Beneath the surface, an underground group of renegade humans, who possess the ability to self-procreate, wages war against the oppressive AI-controlled establishment. A genetically modified human Knower (played by Alyssa Carter), faces off against the formidable cis-female Queen of Bridge (played by Rachel Vasques) in a battle that will determine the fate of humanity.
This gripping narrative delves deep into the themes of AI vs. humanity and nature vs. nurture, posing critical questions about identity, survival, and the balance of power in a world on the brink.
Genre: Sci Fi, Drama
Themes: AI vs Humanity; nature vs. nurture
Writer: Magaly Colimon- Christopher
Director: Aixa Kendrick
Cast: Alyssa Carter as "Knower"
Rachel Vasques as "Queen of Bridge"
- Magaly Colimon-Christopher is a first-generation Haitian-American actress/playwright/director/Producing Artistic Director of Conch Shell Productions. www.magalycolimon.com
- Aixa Kendrick: Puerto Rican & African American heritage stage/screen actress, Lincoln Center Lab director; Jerome Foundation recipient for avant garde playwrights. Recently won Best Actress in the Hip Hop Film Festival 2020 for her role in Laura Fielder’s psychological thriller The Company You Keep. www.AixaKendrick.com
- Alyssa Carter is a Trinidadian born actress currently based in Westchester, NY. She is a graduate of Purchase College's BFA Acting Conservatory ('22). Many thanks to Conch Shell Productions for this opportunity!
- Rachel Vasquez -born & raised in NY and with credits in Film/TV & is currently enrolled at HB Studio. Lately, she has been in a few stage productions and looks forward to producing & acting in her short screenplay in the near future.
HEIR JONES
AUGUST WILSON IS RADICAL! OR BODIES!
BEGIN THE END
Synopsis: In HEIR JONES, the story of Brutus Jones continues through his son, Junior, who struggles to escape the shadow of his father’s legacy while navigating a life down on his luck. Exploring themes of ancestry, capitalism, and legacy, this thought-provoking drama asks: Are sons destined to fall into the same traps as their absent fat
Synopsis: In HEIR JONES, the story of Brutus Jones continues through his son, Junior, who struggles to escape the shadow of his father’s legacy while navigating a life down on his luck. Exploring themes of ancestry, capitalism, and legacy, this thought-provoking drama asks: Are sons destined to fall into the same traps as their absent fathers?
A modern sequel to a classic, HEIR JONES delves into the complexities of generational cycles and the fight for identity amidst inherited burdens.
Genre: Drama
Themes: Ancestry, Capitalism, Legacy
Writer: Anthony Othello Pratt, Jr
Director: Danae Grandison
Cast: Julen Barini-Brown, Jerry Benzwick, and Hal Miers
- Anthony Othello Pratt Jr is a Writer, Actor, and Filmmaker from Harlem, NYC with roots in Nassau, Bahamas. Some credits include Twelfth Night at Classical Theatre of Harlem, Passover at The Spot, Alligator Man at National Black Theatre. Solo plays performed and written by Othello: Bo: A Billy Ocean story, Rush Hour on the A-Train, Trans-Frat, Heir Jones, Shakespeare’s Anonymous: OR a guide for Black Mens’ mental health. In film, he has been featured in The Story of Immeasurable Worth, Home, and Disrupted. Founding member of Black Art Night Group. Currently, a membeConch Shell Productions Artists Collective. Othello holds an MFA in Acting from Columbia University.
- Award-winning Jamaican born filmmaker, Danae Grandison writer / director creates narrative, commercial and shorts. Her films have screened in Oscar qualifying festivals, domestically and internationally. Danae explores themes of human empathy while masterfully encouraging critical dialogue about society.
- Julen Barini-Brown is an almuni of Pace University BFA Acting and the 24 Hour Plays Nationals. He would like to thank his family.
- Jerry Benzwick's stage credits include Single Entry, Uptown Bangarang, Feminine Justice, Against His Will, Concubine, To the Finish and God’s Will. Films The Last Britons, Nothing But Ghosts, Almost Heaven. Glory to Glorianna, Ring Games and Unspoken.
- Most recently, Hal Miers can be seen in the final season of Blue Bloods as Officer James. Hal holds an MFA from Columbia University. Thanks to his artistic collaborator Anthony!
LOR
AUGUST WILSON IS RADICAL! OR BODIES!
AUGUST WILSON IS RADICAL! OR BODIES!
Synopsis: LOR centers on Esperanza, a woman navigating the depths of grief and the struggle to reconnect with herself and her community. Set against the backdrop of a group therapy session, the story transitions from the chaos of Esperanza’s home to the structure and solace of a healing space. Anchored by the red chaise—a poignant symbol
Synopsis: LOR centers on Esperanza, a woman navigating the depths of grief and the struggle to reconnect with herself and her community. Set against the backdrop of a group therapy session, the story transitions from the chaos of Esperanza’s home to the structure and solace of a healing space. Anchored by the red chaise—a poignant symbol of transformation—Esperanza’s vulnerability opens the door to self-discovery and connection.
Through themes of grief, community, healing, and ritual, LOR invites audiences to reflect on the universal journey of processing loss and the power of collective support in fostering growth.
Genre: Drama
Themes: grief, community, healing, ritual
Writer: AnJu Hyppolite.
Director: Thalia Sablon
Cast members: Patrice Battey-Simon, Nikki Brown, Nancy Chidi, and Phylisha Nicole Phillips
- AnJu Hyppolite is a Haitian-American, award-winning actor, writer, and educator who works at the intersection of theater arts, technology, and social equity.
- Thalia Sablon is a Haiti-born, Queens-raised, NYC-based playwright, producer, and artistic administrator, earned her MFA in Playwriting from Rutgers University.
- Patrice Battey trained at American Academy of Dramatic Arts & NYU earning a BFA from Pace University. Appearing in TV & film, most recently the Amazon movie: A Good Thing.
- Nikki Brown is an aspiring artist with a passion for all things storytelling. She is currently a student at HB Studio, where she continues to study and develop her craft.
- Nancy Chidi is a Nigerian-British-American Actress and Filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY, and a student at HB Studio.
- Phylisha Nicole Phillips is a proud Caribbean-American-New Yorker. She has Bachelors in Fine Arts with emphasis in Fashion Design. She is a singer, actor, and aspiring fashion designer.
AUGUST WILSON IS RADICAL! OR BODIES!
AUGUST WILSON IS RADICAL! OR BODIES!
AUGUST WILSON IS RADICAL! OR BODIES!
Synopsis: The students of the Black Theatre Student Association at USM are gearing up for their final showcase of the year. Traditionally, the organization has always featured “A Night of August Wilson Monologues.” But this year, Daveed—a passionate and ambitious student—proposes something far more radical: an auction of their bodies to t
Synopsis: The students of the Black Theatre Student Association at USM are gearing up for their final showcase of the year. Traditionally, the organization has always featured “A Night of August Wilson Monologues.” But this year, Daveed—a passionate and ambitious student—proposes something far more radical: an auction of their bodies to the white students on campus (and maybe the Black students, too).
AUGUST WILSON IS RADICAL! OR BODIES! is a play takes a hilarious yet hard-hitting look at the commodification of Black bodies, the limits of tradition, and what it means to be “radical” in a world that resists change.
Genre: Comedy
Theme: Intersections of power, performance, race, and art.
Writer: Petron B.
Director: Triza Cox
Cast: Alyssa Carter, Joshua W. Josey, Sandiana Mervil, Sadi Bimwala
- Petron B. s a playwright, performer, arts leader, and an intimacy director of Bahamian heritage. He is the recipient of the KCACTF Meritorious Achievement in Directing, the KCACTF Special Achievement in Performance Award, and the KCACTF ASPIRE John Cauble Award.
- Triza Cox is a producer, director, playwright, screenwriter, and actress. She holds an MFA from UofL. Directing credits include Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Miss Julie, Suppressed Desires, and more.
- Alyssa Carter is a Trinidadian born actress currently based in Westchester, NY. She is a graduate of Purchase College's BFA Acting Conservatory ('22). Many thanks to Conch Shell Productions for this opportunity!
- Joshua W. Josey is an actor, writer, entrepreneur and creative, and a current law student in his final year, integrating artistry and advocacy to promote justice.
- Sandiana Mervil is a Haitian American professional singer and actor. She received dual degrees in Literary Studies and Theatre Performance from USF and is in the upcoming feature film " A Complete Unknown".
- Sadi Bimwala started his acting journey at the Lola Louis Performing Arts Center in the Bronx. Then studied at William Esper Studio.
October 10-13, 2024 - CONCH SHELL INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST
Conch Shell Productions presented our 3rd annual Conch Shell International Film Fest this Fall: Thursday October 10, 2024-October 13, 2024 at Regal UA Midway Cinemas - 108-22 Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills Queens.
Conch Shell International Film Fest’s (CSIFF) goal is to infuse unique Caribbean Diaspora and Caribbean filmmaker voices into the American film industry.
CSIFF is a festival that empowers Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora artists and spotlights television and film content created by and for people of diverse Caribbean descent. Our festival brings together fans of Caribbean culture with industry experts and creatives from around the world for four days of screenings, enlightening talks, gatherings and valuable networking opportunities.
CSIFF aims to broaden the perspectives of all who attend by creating a space for empowering, positive and inspirational exchange. Join us as we CELEBRATE Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora stories.
CSIFF is a showcase of the creative voices of indie and student film directors and writers of the Caribbean Diaspora and the Caribbean whose work inspires social change.
November 19, 2024 at flushing town hall
Join Us for the Premiere Reading of Thalia Sablon’s New Play
Synopsis:
Mille, a young overworked server’s first shift at a subpar catering event becomes a chaotic quest for self-worth, solidarity, and survival as she learns the hidden art of reclaiming time from a system that takes everything.
About Thalia:
Thalia Sablon is Haitian American focused on creating work that challenges people's capacity for understanding. When she isn’t writing or producing she is trying not wreak havoc around New York.
Themes:
Destruction of Capitalism, Never ending work shift, Cycles.
Genrie:
Surreal Comedy.
Cast members:
Anaela Lia, Jerome Allen Smith, Darius Adamson Jr, Sasha Manzetti, Mya Ison, Simeon Buresch
Trigger warnings/Content Transparency: Adult language
JULY 25TH, 2024
Captain Heaven America & the Evil Foreign Hell Demons written by Petron B.
SYNPOSIS:
Evil Foreign Hell Demons are lurking under the Foreign Boy’s bed as he dreams of rescuing his mother from Hell. Will Captain Heaven America show up in time to save the day?
Themes: Immigration. Christianity. American Identity.
Trigger Warning/Content Transparency: Gun violence
LOCATION:
FLUSHING TOWN HALL
137-35 Northern Boulevard Queens, NY 11354
Audience Q&A (moderated by CSP Co-Resident Dramaturge Jasmeene Francois).
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
Petron B. (writer/actor/producer) is a Bahamian-born theatre artist. He is the recipient of several national theatre awards including a distinguished achievement for the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, first-runner up for the David Shelton Playwriting Award, and a KCACTF Special Achievement in Performance Award. He is 2024-25 Artist in Residence at Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre, a company member at Conch Shell Productions Artist Collective, and 2024 Dramatists Guild Foundation National Playwriting Fellow. He received his MFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi where he was recently inducted into the USM Graduate Student Hall of Fame. @petron.brown
ARTISTIC STATEMENT: This is a fever dream not a play. At times this story feels like a comic book, and at other moments a cartoon. It is a raw investigation into the psyche of an island child—a dance between American exceptionalism and the foreign identity.performing arts center, offering classes, workshops, and performances to students of all ages.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Marissa Joyce Stamps (director) is a Black, Haitian-American Afrosurreal artist and educator. She's part of Clubbed Thumb's 2023-2024 ECWG and EST/Youngblood. Recent: BEING UP IN HERE... (2023 Princess Grace Playwriting Award, Exponential Festival 2024), BLUE FIRE... (Exponential Festival 2022), ...TWISTED JUNIPER (O'Neill NPC 2022). MFA Playwriting: Brooklyn College. marissajoycestamps.com @marissajoycestamps
CAST:
Petron Brown as "FOREIGN BOY"
Carol Jacobanis as "WHITE WOMAN IN ALL WHITE"
Jay Patterson as "CAPTAIN HEAVEN AMERICAN"
Othello Pratt Jr. as "EVIL FOREIGN HELL DEMONS"
Thalia Sablon as "EVIL FOREIGN HELL DEMONS"
Ben Teitelbaum as "REAL AMERICAN BOY"
csp cold reading series - july 2024
HOW TO STEAL TIME & OTHER IMPORTANT POOR PEOPLE SKILLS
HOW TO STEAL TIME & OTHER IMPORTANT POOR PEOPLE SKILLS
HOW TO STEAL TIME & OTHER IMPORTANT POOR PEOPLE SKILLS
Written by Thalia Sablon
Synopsis:
Mille is working her first catering shift!...Or is it her 100th? We follow Millie as she works and learns all of the important rules of being a poor person navigating a soul-crushing service job. Her co-workers question her ability as they struggle to navigate a hostel work environment surrounded by entitl
Written by Thalia Sablon
Synopsis:
Mille is working her first catering shift!...Or is it her 100th? We follow Millie as she works and learns all of the important rules of being a poor person navigating a soul-crushing service job. Her co-workers question her ability as they struggle to navigate a hostel work environment surrounded by entitled eventgoers.
About playwright:
Thalia Sablon is Haitian American focused on creating work that challenges people's capacity for understanding. When she isn’t writing or producing she is trying not wreak havoc around New York.
Themes:
Destruction of Capitalism, Never ending work shift. Cycles.
Trigger warnings/Content Transparency: Adult language
Cast:
Anela Lia as "Mille"
Jerome Allen Smith as "Angel/V2"
Magaly Colimon as "Cher"
Amber Calderon as "Mer/V3"
Petron Brown as "Fer"
Simeon Buresch as "Mark"
Aubree Dixon as "V1"
Stage directions read by Sasha Manxetti
DEAD GIRL’S QUINCEAÑERA
HOW TO STEAL TIME & OTHER IMPORTANT POOR PEOPLE SKILLS
HOW TO STEAL TIME & OTHER IMPORTANT POOR PEOPLE SKILLS
Written by Phanésia Pharel
Synopsis:
Being 15 is even more complicated when your best friend goes missing. Maria's besties are in a race against the clock to find out what happened to her and bring her home alive. A dark comedy about secrets, female friendship, and crime solving, DEAD GIRLS QUINCEAÑERA asks what it means to come of age in a
Written by Phanésia Pharel
Synopsis:
Being 15 is even more complicated when your best friend goes missing. Maria's besties are in a race against the clock to find out what happened to her and bring her home alive. A dark comedy about secrets, female friendship, and crime solving, DEAD GIRLS QUINCEAÑERA asks what it means to come of age in a messed-up world and what you need to do to survive .
About playwright:
Phanésia Pharel is a Haitian-American playwright from a Dragon Fruit farm in Miami. Daughter of an immigrant teacher and farmer, she writes to honor people.
Themes:
Victimhood. Safety. Feminism. Coming of Age. Queerness.
Trigger warnings/Content Transparency: References to death, sexual assault of minor children, and adult language.
Cast:
Hannah Camille Carter as "Phoebe"
Savannah Ritz as "Maria"
Ana Luz Zambrana as "Salma"
Angelika Melendez as "Estefania"
Stage Directions read by Gretchen Suárez-Peña
1898
HOW TO STEAL TIME & OTHER IMPORTANT POOR PEOPLE SKILLS
1898
Written by Nelson Diaz Marcano
Synopsis:
When Puerto Rico becomes a US territory, the Suarez family is enticed by an American investor who appears with an opportunity that promises riches beyond their imaginations. But as soon as he arrives things start falling apart, and strange dreams haunt the family threatening their land, identity and
Written by Nelson Diaz Marcano
Synopsis:
When Puerto Rico becomes a US territory, the Suarez family is enticed by an American investor who appears with an opportunity that promises riches beyond their imaginations. But as soon as he arrives things start falling apart, and strange dreams haunt the family threatening their land, identity and sanity.
About playwright:
Nelson Diaz-Marcano is a Puerto Rican NYC-based theater maker, literary director, advocate, and community leader whose mission is to create work that challenges and builds connections.
Themes:
Colorism, Colonialism, Interracial love, Caribbean Santeria/Religion, Horror.
Cast members:
Ana Luz Zambrana as "Laura"
Xavier Pacheco as "Jacinto"
Ivan Vega as "Rafael"
Caro Zeller as "Viviana"
Yohanna Florentino as "Lucrecia"
Brandon Meeks as "Homer"
Stage Directions read by Lourdes Zamora
MARCH 20TH - CSP WRITER'S WORKSHOP
SUBMISSION PLANNING & MANAGEMENT FOR THE WRITER
This workshop was led by award winning playwright, Gretchen Suárez-Peña.
This workshop provided participants with helpful tools to navigate the challenges of setting up metrics for success as well as navigating the submission process.
Topics covered:
- How and why to keep track of your submissions?
- Submission opportunities and where to find them
- Ways to develop a “winners approach” to submissions
#Bluelight series online reading - friday march 29th, 2024
STEPPING ON HOLLY MISTLE'S TOE
Written by Diane De La Haye
Directed by Marissa Joyce Stamps
ABOUT THE PLAY
After failing in New York, a down-on-her-luck hip-hop dancer must help out at her quirky mother’s small town Christmas production, only to find her dreamboat ex and his new uptight girlfriend are part of the team.
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
CSP Artist Collective Member, Diane De La Haye is a Jamaican-Canadian Screenwriter and Story Editor who studied at the Vancouver Film School.Over the last 10 years Diane has honed her skills in Script Development and collaborated with Directors from around the world on Feature screenplays, documentaries and TV series. She is currently Head Writer of the St Maarten-based project “The Wonderful Counsellor” as well as “Fab 4 and the Silent Retreat,” (on which she also serves as Co-Executive Producer and helped garner its 3 international Film Festival awards.) @Diane_canjam
Cast
Aja Downing ("Holly") is extremely pleased and excited to be apart of this project and ready for all the projects to come.Aja graduated from The American Musical Arts Academy in 2016. Some of Aja's previous roles were Annette in TjLovesSally4eva, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Jojo in Cher Chez Le Femme ,Aida in Aida and Ella Baker in Bayard: a new musical. Aja would like to thank her Mom and dad for all they’re support and love! And also thank the incredible cast and crew of this project!
Chris Davis ("Brian") is a South African born Australian actor and producer living in NYC. He specialises in horror development and is repped by Stevie Boothe and Ricki Olshan at Buchwald. @cold_drip_trent
Candice Jean-Jacques ("Carol") holds a B.A in Theatre from Towson University and attended Circle In The Square Theatre School. She is delighted to be part of CSP's Reading Series. Thanks to acting mentor John Anthony. www.candicejeanjacques.com
Nonye Brown-West ("Norah") @noneefizzle
Daniel Chicon-Ramirez ("Mike") is a Latino writer, actor, and director. Using his signature brand of comedy and surrealism, Danny enjoys telling stories that explore cultural identity, hypermasculinity, and familial relationships. @seriouslyLOUDdanny
Jacob (Jay) Lineberry ("Kevin") is a member of Sag/Aftra and AEA and is super excited to be working with Conch Shell Productions! @jay_lineberry
Sierra Leverett as "Cassandra"