The Strides Collective, a Philadelphia-based theatre company that solely focuses on producing and developing LGBTQIA+ works for the stage, will bring the world premiere of Confabulation to the Arden Theatre Company’s Hamilton Family Arts Center (62 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106) beginning October 10.
Written by New York-based playwright Matt Shvyrkov and directed by The Strides Collective’s founding artistic director, Jonathan Edmondson, Confabulation invites audiences to follow the journey of a woman looking to take control of her own life and confront her deepest darkness. The production runs for two weeks and unfolds inside the Arden’s intimate 100-seat Bob and Selma Horan Studio Theatre with a preview on October 10, opening night on October 11, and shows through October 20.
Featuring five talented Philadelphia-based actors, the two-hour dramedy is set during a past-life regression support group led by Agnes (Kathryn Wylde), a headstrong, spiritual hypnotherapist who uses her unique skills to help group members deal with their issues and regain control of their lives. Caroline (Journee Lutz) is the newest member and joins the support group to deal with the heartbreak of losing her ex-girlfriend, the abuse she received from her mother as a child, and the darkness that lives inside her.
The dynamic cast features award-winning actor Rain Diaz (Grant), making his theatrical debut in Philadelphia with The Strides Collective. Diaz appeared in the short film Sugar (Sam Torres), for which he won Best Actor in a US Short at the Jim Thorpe Film Festival and Best Actor in a US Drama at the Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival. His regional work includes People’s Light Theatre Co., City Theatre, and the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
North Philadelphia native Journee Lutz (Caroline), a recent Temple University graduate, also makes their theatrical debut with The Strides Collective. They co-founded Temple University’s Theatre Underground, a program dedicated to providing space for Black students interested in theatre. Lutz’s regional work includes Temple University’s Tomilson Theater.
Raven Jane Adilene (Olivia) makes their theatrical debut with The Strides Collective. The Philadelphia based actor is a graduate of Arcadia University. Their regional work includes roles at Steel River Playhouse and Arcadia University’s Spruance Little Theater.
Kathryn Wylde (Agnes) also makes their theatrical debut with The Strides Collective. In their spare time, Wylde is also a voice actor, acting teacher, author, and lighting technician. Wylde has performed in shows at local theatres, including Stagecrafters Theater.
Triston Haq (Shane) makes his debut with The Strides Collective. Haq is a new face to the local theatre scene, having just recently moved from Texas to Philadelphia. His regional work includes Stagecrafters Theatre, Berserker Theatre Company, and the South Camden Theater Company.
The production design team includes Maybe Burke (Assistant Director/Intimacy Coordinator), Caitlin Alvarez (Producer), Maddie Breske (Producer) Patrick Reilly (Production Manager), Tanner Richardett (Administrative Director), Margaux Cattelona (Stage Manager), Skyler Gonzalez (Assistant Stage Manager), Lindsey Silver (Scenic and Properties Designer), Gen McLaughlin (Costume Designer), Kate Ingram (Lighting Designer), Adiah Hicks (Sound Designer).
All tickets are $25, with discounts available for students, groups of 10 or more, and theatre industry professionals. Confabulation is recommended for those ages 16 and up. Tickets are available online at stridescollective.com or by contacting the box office at boxoffice@stridescollective.com.
Philadelphia RowHome Magazine's Blog 