Kayenta presents “Framed,” a satire about art, marriage, and ambition
By Merrie Campbell-Lee
The Center for the Arts at Kayenta presents “Framed,” a comedy made for adults who appreciate laughter as much as art, Nov. 8–11 and 15–17 at 7 p.m. with an additional 3 p.m. performance Nov. 17.
Here’s the premise: Joanie, an artist, wants recognition for her paintings, and her crime-boss husband Nick knows how to ensure she gets it. May, the young wife of Jake, just wants to learn how to paint while Jake wants to elevate himself to crime thug. What follows is a wild ride that exposes the soul-killing nature of ambition — specifically, how it affects personal relationships. According to playwright Y York, the play “ruthlessly blends humor and drama, is fiercely character-driven, and explores multi-generational issues of gender, jealousy and growth.”
The play comes to Kayenta by way of Kayenta resident and professional director and producer Rob Goodman, who became acquainted with York 25 years ago.
“Having directed or produced at least five of her plays for young audiences, I’m delighted to finally direct one of her adult plays,” Goodman said. “Y has a real flair for wry, intelligent humor. Her work has a piercing intuition that accurately captures the quirks of human relationships.”
York’s plays have been recognized with the 2004 Hawai’i Award for Literature, the 1997 Berilla Kerr Award, and the New Dramatists’ 1992 Joe Calloway Award. Goodman is directing the play, and his cast of four includes three local actors — the talented Jake Thomas and Kristina and Michael Harding (husband and wife offstage and onstage in this production) — and Rachel Schmeling, a veteran NYC actor.
After the play, audience members are invited to participate in an interactive discussion and reception with local artists and art lovers who will address the main question asked by the play: “What makes an artist an artist?” Wine, beverages, and concessions will be available for purchase. Tickets are $30, $10 for students.
Featured local artists leading the post-play discussion
Nov. 8: Cheryl and Gary Collins
Nov. 9: Lynnette Loughton & Sharon Turley
Nov. 10: Hollie and Greg Ragland
Nov. 15: Kathy Johnson and Ginny Northcott
Nov. 16: Datura Gallery’s Shauna McCullough and Rosemary McFadden
Nov. 17, 3 p.m.: Marcia Rouse Robinson
Nov. 17, 7 p.m.: Abe McCowan and Georgia Johnson
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