Weekend #1, August 30, 31 and Sept 1
The highly anticipated first weekend of NAMBA’s Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival is here. Showcasing three exceptional shows from the Hollywood Fringe Festival that recognize outstanding performances, push creative boundaries and bring attention to important social issues. These three performances highlight the experiences of veterans, the LGBTQ community, and the challenges of youth homelessness.
Kicking the first weekend off, Friday, August 30 at 8 pm, is Hollywood Fringe Festival SPLASH Award Winner, “The Day I Accidentally Went to War,” a journey from childhood trauma to real-life combat, honoring the veteran experience and celebrating the human spirit. Saturday, August 31 at 8 pm, is the hilarious one-hour comedy-variety show “Queen Out (Verb)” and to close the opening weekend on September 1, at 6 pm is “Vanlyfe,” an extraordinary, thought-provoking, unique and humorous dramedy presented in conjunction with Bell Arts Factory.
Friday, August 30 at 8 PM: The Day I Accidentally Went to War
We are proud to present the gripping and hilarious solo show and winner of the 2024 NAMBA SPLASH Award, “The Day I Accidentally Went to War” by acclaimed comedian and writer Bill Posley. Some people accidentally miss their bus stop, some accidentally misplace their keys, but Posley takes us on a roller coaster journey packed with laughs, gasps and all the feels; baring brutal truths. Prepare to be transported to Bill’s past, the good, the bad, the ugly of it all. Posley, known for his work on Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” and Apple TV’s “Shrinking,” brings his unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling to the NAMBA stage.
Saturday, August 31 at 8 PM: Queen Out (Verb)
Laugh and cheer with Los Angeles Drag Duo Annie and Lorelei in this one-hour comedy-variety show. Watch as they battle to save their beloved drag bar from corporate greed, facing off against ExxonMobil’s plans to build a fracking drill over their home. This night of glitz, humor, and reality promises to be unforgettable.
Sunday, September 1 at 6 PM: Vanlyfe
Note: This performance will take place in the parking lot at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N Ventura Ave. Experience the compelling story of Sunny and Finn, a rowdy queer couple living in a broken-down van in Venice Beach. When a nearby murder triggers a 48-hour sweep of their encampment, they must rely on their community to save their home. Written and performed by formerly unhoused activists and actors, this site-specific homeless epic blend theater and activism with interactive elements and a secret mission for the audience.
All other shows will be held at Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak Street, Ventura.
Tickets for each are $20 online at NambaArts.com, or $25 at the door. Or, purchase a “SPLASH Pass” and see all three shows for $60! Includes a complimentary drink for you for each show and waives ticket fees.
This year, twenty-two NAMBA Committee members adjudicated over 60 shows at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. Our top eight picks start at the end of August and include “The Day I Accidentally Went To War;” “Queen Out (Verb);” “Vanlyfe;” “Mermaid;” “The Godmother;” “Magic For Animals;” “Funny Thing About a Panic Attack;” and “Mictlan.”. For more information, contact Namba Performing Arts Space, (805) 643-1100, email [email protected], or visit nambaarts.com.
