New Visions Festival Tackles LGBT Issues

Two plays were performed in one night at The New School’s annual New Visions festival held last week at The New School for Drama. Two worlds were created, and both addressed similar hardships for young people in the LGBT community.

The main character in “Clean” is Gustavito – played by Rafael Albarran – a 10-year-old boy stuck with an abusive father after his mother ran away. He also realized he was gay and had fallen in love with a priest. In the play “Five Flights,” characters Ed and Adele – played by Michael Thomas and Valorie Kissel, respectively – faced situations of uncertainty in which they were both afraid of advancing each of their same-sex relationships.

Participants in New Visions, The New School for Drama Playwrights Festival, rehearsed for the plays since August 27, the first day of the semester. For many seniors in the program, these performances have largely defined their academic life.

“You know we’ve all been in the three year program together and this is the end,” said Adam Colton, who played the supporting role of Tom, a gay hockey player, in “Five Flights.” “It’s been a super fun experience.”

The “Five Flights” set was simple. A single bench and a potted tree sat in the middle of the stage. A projector and a screen faced the audience. The set for the play “Clean,” featured a graffiti-filled platform. Garbage cans spilled over the stage, and hip-hop music played in the background.

Both plays featured their shares of comic relief, from ostentatiously loud cross-dresser Norry – played by Velson D’Souza – in “Clean,” to Tom’s straight friend Andre – played by Travis Clark Morris – in “Five Flights.” But the heavier overtones were not abandoned.

Many of the actors said that the strong relationships developed with their cast mates helped them delve into character.

“It’s like you’re working with five of your best friends,” Colton said. “The cast is amazing and it has been a pleasure to work on the show.”

This year’s New Visions festival continues from October 18 to October 26. The final installment will take place from November 1 to November 9.