Broadus Nesbitt III, Jae Jones, and K.S. Garner in “The Killer Instinct” by Taariq Saadiq. Photo courtesy of Rapid Lemon Productions.
With “courage” as the central theme, audiences are pulled into a world of laughter, contemplation, bewilderment, elation, and confrontation in the short plays presented by Rapid Lemon Productions’ “Variations on Courage.” This production marks the 20th year anniversary of The Variations Project, Baltimore’s original, ten-minute new play festival.
Director Jalice Ortiz-Corral uses talented local artists to bring each play to life with vibrant energy.
“Variations on Courage” is comprised of 13 plays that speak to issues of courage—like living life to the fullest, living life passionately versus responsibly, veganism, cultural sensitivity, overcoming fear, an eye for an eye, caring for the elderly, and making difficult life decisions. Each play is approximately 10 minutes long, with distinct, subtle nuances that complement the action. Director Jalice Ortiz-Corral uses talented local artists to bring each play to life with vibrant energy. All of the actors display a vast array of talent in their ability to portray multiple characters. One notable mention is K.S. Garner who plays the pregnant wife of the Boxer in the play “The Killer Instinct” by Taariq Saadiq, and who also plays the role of an African American male on the brink of being honorably discharged from the military in “Shades of Honor” by Petula Caesar. Due to his fair skin, he is faced with a courageous decision of whether or not to live his civilian life passing as a white man.
The production design by Martin Smith, Kitt Crescenzo, and Max Garner is simple but effective. Large, square boxes represent individual scenes and work well to establish different locales and the fast-paced scene changes. Framing the large box squares is accomplished by two stationary walls, one on stage left and one on stage right, which also helps with the quick scene changes.
One element used to enhance the plays and create well-blended visuals are the costumes designed by Kitt Crescenzo. The chicken costume in “Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road” by Archie D. Williams Jr. is an unforgettable as the chicken takes courage to defend its territory. Another notable costume highlight is the dancing heart in “From the French, Meaning Heart” by DonnaAnn Ward, beating out the rhythm of the adrenaline rush one has when showing the courage to experience new adventures.
The sound effects designed by Max Garner, for me, created the element of authenticity. In “I Wanna Ride A Pony” by Jessica Rota, the subtle outside noises created the perfect backdrop for the 90-year-old woman with a walker, courageously determined to ride the pony on her birthday. Another memorable moment is created by the sounds effects in “W.O.O.F” by Tess Huth. Portraying a dog, Broadus Nesbitt III performs his monologue reflecting on the issues that caused his aggression and attack on a child. Dog growls fill the air and it is at that moment that we experience the reality of dog life and a dog’s courage to train humans to love. It is a moment of sheer reflection.
Designed by Martin Smith, the lighting not only properly illuminated the stage but also reinforced the visuals. “Deer Season” by Leslie Fields deals with the dangers and tragedies of young male transgenders willfully prostituting. Martin Smith creates a roaming spot symbolizing the cars the would-be “Johns” are driving. This lighting, along with Garner’s sound effect of the cars, creates a powerful visual of vehicles coming and going. The theme of courage in “Deer Season” is presented as a life choice.
The Variation Project allows audience members attending the productions to participate with selecting the theme for the next year by voting. At the end of the entire run, the theme for the following year is announced.
While some of the plays may contain subject matter that might be considered slightly controversial to some, courage is always displayed by the playwrights.
Running Time: Two hours and 10 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: The plays explore a variety of topics, including ageism, police brutality, racism, mass suicide, and sex work. Several contain profanity. One includes a brief period of flashing lights.
“Variations on Courage,” Baltimore’s 20th annual ten-minute play festival, runs through July 21, 2024, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm at The BBOX, Maryland Institute College of Art’s Gateway Building, 1601 West Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online. Rapid Lemon Productions uses paperless ticketing—patrons’ names will be at Will Call on the date of the performance. Read our “A Quick 5” interview with director Jalice Ortiz-Corral here.
ACT 1:
“I Wanna Ride a Pony” by Jessica Rota
“The Killer Instinct” by Taariq Saadiq
“So Brave ” by Colin Riley
“More than Food ” by Malik Berry
“From the French, Meaning Heart” by DonnaAnn Ward
“W.O.O.F.” by Tess Huth
“Shades of Honor” by Petula Caesar
ACT 2:
“Heavens Above” by Hillary Glass
“Deer Season” by Leslie Fields
“Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?” by Archie D. Williams Jr.
“Fires and Forms” by Damian Hawkins
“Her Watery Tomb” by Ayibatari Owei
“Eyeballs” by Tia Thomas
The Cast:
K.S. Garner
Niki Jay
Jae Jones
Valerie Lewis
Broadus Nesbitt III
Colin Riley
Aparna Sri
Sarah Lynn Taylor
