Named for playwright Neil LaBute, the LaBute New Theater Festival presented by St. Louis Actors’ Studio has become something of a tradition. The eighth annual event will feature nine one-act plays, including a new work by LaBute with an intriguing title: “St. Louis.”
Presented at the Gaslight Theater, the festival is divided into two programs, running July 8-17 and July 22-31. Both will include “St. Louis.”
The acclaimed writer and director has an ongoing collaborative relationship with the St. Louis Actors’ Studio, providing a new one-act play each year for the festival, which the company has also produced off-Broadway in New York City.
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In 2021, LaBute’s full-length play “Comfort” made its world premiere with the company.
William Roth, co-founder and artistic director of the St. Louis Actors’ Studio, discussed the LaBute New Theater Festival and its works. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q • What can you tell us about “St. Louis,” the LaBute one-act playing in this year’s festival?
A • I’m not sure how he got the idea. His plays aren’t necessarily location-specific, and this one isn’t, either. Other than taking place in St. Louis, that doesn’t have a lot to do with the plot. It’s a relationship play, about two women and a man who live in the same apartment building.
Q • What’s the idea behind presenting two groups of plays?
A • I am such a fan of the one-act form and of playwrights. And I am so overwhelmed by the skill and bios of the people sending plays in that I want to produce as many of the plays as I possibly can.
Q • Are there any guidelines for the one-acts?
A • Not really. We try to have as few restrictions as possible: 45 minutes or less. Generally, they take place on a park bench, or in an apartment or living room. One thing that we’re very proud of is how the plays move from play to play during the evening. There’s almost a ballet happening as one play moves into the next.
Q • So these are full productions of the plays?
A • I don’t think they lack for anything. They’re fully staged, all of the actors are fully off-book and we rehearse for three weeks. It’s just like any of our other productions.
Q • Do the plays tend to have anything in common?
A • No. I’d say that they run the gamut.
Q • “Comfort” was very well received. Are there any further plans to produce it?
A • Yes. Nothing solid, but we are working on trying to get it moving in New York. It’s a play that could easily be on Broadway.
What LaBute New Theater Festival • When July 8-17, July 22-31; performances at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays • Where Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle Avenue • How much $30-$35 • More info stlas.org
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