HUSTLIN': Six Short Films and Two Plays in Six Months!
The past six months have been an absolute whirlwind of creativity with old friends, new friends and incredible collaborators! I have completed work on a total of SIX short films, and have opened two world premiere plays, both of which are either still running or have been awarded an extension.
Here are some fun photos from being on set!
Della & Mae: 1950s style lesbian romance drama
Queen of the Angels: 1940s heist film noir
Wonder: 1950s style experimental surrealist lesbian film erotica
Red Molly: 1870s Western
Languish: contemporary lesbian drama
Jimbo: 1990s heist art film
Each of these films has been an amazing experience, and I can't wait for the chance for them to be seen in festivals!
The plays I have been working on are these: The Dryway: a merfolk opera and Shakespeare's Rose Queen. The Dryway is a one-act piece featuring prose, poetry, American folk music and innovative choreography to tell the mythic story of the mermaid Melusine, who with her two sisters was banished from the ocean and forced to learn how to survive in the world of men. It was written by one of my best friends and is very close to my heart. We premiered it at the Son of Semele Creation Festival in LA, and it was granted an extension in March! The dates and times are Friday March 18th at 8pm, Saturday March 19th at 8pm, and Sunday March 20th at 5pm. Here is a link to buy tickets: The Dryway Encore! And below is our teaser trailer for your enticement.
“I was thunderstruck. Not only because each actor showed the talent and focus to commit totally to this weird dreamlike world, but they brought each sister to life in such a way the climax—the moment of decision—seemed absolutely inevitable, courageous and tragic and utterly beautiful all at the same time.”
“The Dryway has much to say about the trials of being a woman, and becoming fully human; much also about the way our wounds and limitations can become our gifts and strengths. But all of this runs silent, like the ocean’s currents, below a fast-moving and constantly entertaining surface.”
“...winningly performed by the cast of A’Raelle Flynn-Bolden, Megan Rippey and Green... all three performers render evocative and sympathetic merfolk.”
“An enthralling triptych of the perils of womanhood.”
“Each actor plays her part with such deftness and generosity and when those parts come together the result is explosive, rollicking, otherworldly fun that manages to be both traditional and timeless, celebratory yet rebellious, magical yet grounded in the womb. Holy Mother, do yourself a favor and go see this show.”
The second play I am currently working on is Shakespeare's Rose Queen, an adaptation of Henry VI Parts 1-3 and Richard III to tell the complete story of Queen Margaret, using only Shakespeare's original text. The play is adapted and directed by Brian Elerding with the Ensemble Shakespeare Theater in Pasadena, and will have four more performances: Saturday March 5th at 8pm, Sunday March 6th at 7pm, Saturday March 12th at 8pm and Sunday March 13th at 7pm.
This character is, simply put, my dream role. I first discovered Margaret while still a graduate student at CalArts - I fell in love with a monologue of hers from Richard III, when she is an old woman. I figured in the next 20 years I would never get the chance to play such a complicated, fascinating woman. I was wrong. When I saw the audition listing for this role I just about lost my mind! Thankfully, the Ensemble fell in love with me just as I fell in love with them, and so they put me in their play as the lead. It is my first lead in a Shakespeare play, and will likely be my favorite until I die.
For tickets, click the link and use the discount code "friends2016"! Rose Queen Tickets
Myself as Queen Margaret with Brian White as Suffolk
“The piece is a thought-provoking study... painting a fascinating picture of a complex and powerful woman.
As Margaret, Megan Rippey... becomes a study in nuance. Here is a conniving queen who keeps score of the injustices done to her family and deals out her own measure of comeuppance not in the obvious manner but in a uniquely evil and unusual way.”
Check back soon for more updates! It's been a busy year so far. :)
-Megan