When we look at a piece of art, each person has a different interpretation. That is the beauty of art and the challenge to our playwrights.

The Playwrights & Artists Festival was conceived to bring honor and awareness to Leonard Melfi and H.M. (Harry) Koutoukas, two playwrights from our area who were on the cutting edge of the experimental theatre breakthrough of the early 60's, led by Edward Albee. We started the Festival by having artists read the plays, then creating art. Subsequently, we flipped it, and the playwrights created their plays from viewing the artwork. In this, our 20th year, the playwrights will be inspired by that same original artwork. Full circle.

We blind-read the submissions, select two for each artwork and produce them. The art is exhibited, we perform the play and ask the audience for feedback. Composers create musical pieces inspired by the artwork, which are also shared. We will be offering prizes for these categories: $300 for Best of Festival; $200 for Artistic Merit; $100 for Audience Favorite

Our audiences then become part of the process. After each performance, there is a talk back that includes the playwright, the artist, the composer, the director and actors. This mixed-media event draws inquisitive art and theatre lovers to KNOW, and it makes for an exciting night of theater.

Date: November 17-26, 2023

Cost:

$300 for Best of Festival
$200 for Artistic Merit
$100 for Audience Favorite

Location: Know Theatre Of Binghamton, 74 Carroll Street, Binghamton, NY 13901

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