September 20 – 22
Namba Performing Arts Space is thrilled to announce the second weekend of its 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival, a three-weekend celebration of innovative theater that will run from August 30th through October 20th. This year’s festival brings to Ventura the best of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, featuring eight carefully curated shows that highlight new voices in theater.
“Our first weekend was nothing short of spectacular!” states Executive Director, Tamara Varney. “Weekend Two’s women’s solo performances are full of drama, myth, and magic. They are sure to make a splash with you.”
Friday, September 20 at 8 PM, The Godmother
Kicking off the second weekend, we are proud to present “The Godmother,” which brings to life the story of Griselda Blanco, one of the most notorious drug lords of her era. Melina Farahani’s solo performance is guided by the intricate direction of the piece, offering a tale of power, sacrifice, and the indomitable bond between mother and son. This show is a profound exploration of family and the human condition.
Saturday, September 21, 8 PM, Mermaid
“Mermaid” intertwines a personal narrative with African mythology. Italome Ohikhuare’s solo show follows a Nigerian-American woman discovering a link between her health and an ancient mermaid goddess. This poignant and magical performance explores themes of identity, heritage, and healing.
Sunday, September 22, 7 PM, Magic For Animals
“Magic For Animals” closes weekend two on Sunday, September 22, at 7 PM, with Liz Toonkel’s witty and insightful one-woman show that blends magic, humor, and activism. Toonkel, who is the actor, writer, and producer, uses allusions to explore pressing issues like animal welfare and climate change, delivering a heartwarming and thought-provoking narrative.
Weekend #3 (October 18 – October 20) – Mental Health Awareness/Poetry Weekend with “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack” by Ben Kassoy, “Resilient AF” by Kamakshi Hart, and “Mictlan” by Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola, with shows in Spanish and English.
The 2024 Playwrights’ Splash Festival brings new playwrights to Ventura and provides a platform for emerging artists to share their stories. Support for the festival is provided by the City of Ventura Cultural Funding Grant Program and Ventura County Behavioral Health.
Learn more on NambaArts.com. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak Street, Ventura. Tickets for each show are $20 online or $25 at the door. Or purchase a “SPLASH Pass” and see all three shows for $60! Includes a complimentary drink for each show and waives ticket fees. Join us at the SPLASH Festival and support the flourishing performing arts scene in Ventura!
About Namba Performing Arts Space
Namba Performing Arts Space, Inc provides an intimate theater for residents and visitors in the Ventura area to be immersed in a variety of performing arts and education programs.
