@dramatistsguild @anita8119

I’m a new spectator to playwright activities in the Mitten state where I serve as the latest Regional Representative. I relocated to Michigan three years ago from New York after accepting a position as Professor of Theatre and Drama at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

As I learn about the state, which covers an expansive geographic area ranging from the Upper Peninsula near Canada to the urban meccas of Detroit and Flint, I’m responding to stories and writers from the area. I want to be an involved audience member, advocating for playwrights and new work development.

My own work involves devising for dance and theatre and writing musicals. I write about historical and cross-cultural experiences, and my works have appeared on PBS national television and at Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Dixon Place, The Working Theatre, Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, New York Live Arts, Tribeca Performing Arts Center and other national and international venues. This year I’ve been collaborating with novelist Richard Aellen and British composer Errollyn Wallen on Liverpool Trading, a musical that time travels through Irish and Afro-Caribbean histories. Next January, the University of Michigan will be sponsoring a workshop production of Ybor City, a musical I wrote about Cuban cigar rollers with NYC composer Dan Furman. At the university, I head a program in Global Theatre and Ethnic Studies that urges students to develop new works for the global stage.

But my real joy is in supporting the work of playwrights and encouraging networks of collaboration. Because we work in a challenging field where rejection is the norm, I strive to nurture collaborative conversations coupled with shared networks of opportunities to make theatrical productions happen. And Michigan is a state where writers collaborate.

Last September a new organization, The MITTEN Lab, hosted a kick-off event to bring together theater artists within the state. Attending this event was my first introduction to many of the companies nurturing new work within the region. MITTEN stands for Michigan Incubator for Theatre Talent Emerging Now. Founded by Katherine Carter and Rachel Sussman, it intends to funnel new stories with diverse perspectives into the Michigan theatre pipeline and help establish Michigan as a fertile and sustainable ground for bold, dynamic theatrical work by offering residencies for emerging artists. An air of excitement spread through the room during the opening event. We heard readings from the play Blind Crest by Monet Hurst-Mendoza and songs from a new musical Rezoning by Matthew Dean Marsh. At the reception we ate great appetizers and mingled. I’m just beginning to activate some of the networks I discovered.

I’ve already had conversations with former regional representative Janet Pound and playwriting teacher Kitty Dubin about writers’ groups active in the state. I’m excited that Theatre Nova, a new production company is raising awareness of the value and excitement of new plays and new playwrights, and providing resources and outlets for playwrights to develop their craft. Artistic Director Carla Milarch offers a two-week new playwright’s festival May 2016 at The Yellow Barn in Ann Arbor.

At the University of Michigan, my department has just recruited Jose Casas as an Assistant Professor of Playwriting. He will be organizing a university festival in 2017, building upon previous playwriting events led by Lawrence Harbison, Tina Satter and Oyamo. I’m finding Michigan and its universities to be an exciting place for developing craft. In the past year I’ve been exposed to workshops and lectures led by artists like Dominique Morriseau, David Henry Hwang, Eric Bogosian, Anna Deavere Smith and Dael Orlandersmith. In my new role I’m reaching out to all Michigan Dramatists Guild members. Let me know what you need and how we can support one another. I look forward to new conversations where we can meet to develop strategies and techniques for sharing our stories.

agonzalez@dramatistsguild.com