Seedlings Fest 2012: “Hybrids and Heirlooms”

Theatricum Botanicum’s new play development program, Botanicum Seedlings, presents a festival of short playreadings over two days, entitled “Hybrids and Heirlooms.”

The plays, based on a theme celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program, give Theatricum audiences and company members an opportunity to sample fresh new works plus seasonal gourmet treats and live music, all tasty varietals that express a range of styles.

The “Hybrids & Heirlooms” plays, performed Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., October 20 and and 21, include:

• Apparently Not by Richard Manley, directed by Paul Turbiak: David is summoned by his eccentric uncle for a mysterious meet aboard a ferry, but he soon sees through Max’s strangely veiled motives.

• Folk Story by Judeth Oden Choi, directed by Amanda McRaven: A moving subway train is the setting for this evocative journey exploring loves lost and found as seasons pass, and the future gets closer.

• Heirlooms: A Hybrid by Kyle T. Wilson, directed by Ella Martin: A playwright looks back on his romantic past with the help of a scene-stealing tomato in this playful meditation on memory.

• Noel—Coward! by Edward Giron, directed by William Dennis Hunt: This Noel’s clever banter and witty repartee don’t quite mask his tragic flaw: when it comes to love, he’s a complete coward.

• Penelope’s Roses by Lisa Kenner, directed by Sabina Ptasznik: When Penny returns to her childhood home with her intended to dig up her past, something unexpected is unearthed.

• Really Jewish by Stephanie Swirsky, directed by Kaja Martin: An Orthodox Jew and a “half-Jew” embark on their first date during a Shabbat picnic—but how complicated is it, really?

• The Edge of a Disappearing Thing by Chelsea Sutton, directed by Kaja Martin: A trip down a young girl’s jagged memory lane as she recalls the night a comet almost hit the Earth and her sisters finally collided.

Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. No reservations are necessary. The theater is outdoors; dress warmly. For more information: theatricum.com, or (310) 455-2322. TICKETS: FREE. n