DIGITAL PROGRAMMING
Videos from the 2020 Criminal Queerness Festival
Maid in America
Inspired by true life experience, Migguel Anggelo is a hotel maid with hopes of performing on the grand stage in this original, short film premiering at the 2020 Criminal Queerness Festival. As he cleans and sings his heart out, he reflects on the promise of the American Dream. Can it actually be achieved or is it a figment of an immigrant’s imagination?
vichitra・an anthology of queer dreams
In this audiovisual patchwork, LGBTQ+ folx of South Asian origin recall the queer logic of their dreams: good and bad, vivid and blurry, ordinary and extraordinary. Directed by Shayok Misha Chowdhury, Video by Kameron Neal, Sound Design by Jeremy S. Bloom. Post-show discussion with Shayok Misha Chowdhury, moderated by Meetu Chilana.
Staging Queerness Through the Generations
June 17th, at 5:00 PM
Join moderators Gaven Trinidad and Bri Ng Schwartz for a conversation with an intergenerational group of LGBTQ+ theater makers to discuss the past, present, and possible futures of LGBTQ theater in the US. The panelists include André De Shields, Leigh Fondakowski, Ryan J. Haddad, and L Morgan Lee. The panel discussion is a collaboration with New York Theatre Workshop.
Creative Conversations: The Syrian Civil War and LGBTQ communities
June 13th, at 2:00 PM
This panel, moderated by Festival Dramaturg Adam Ashraf Elsayigh, explores the experiences of LGBTQ people and trends in LGBTQ rights in Syria, before and during the country’s unrest. Featuring playwright Omar Abbas Salem and actor Noor Hamdi, as well as Commissioner Bitta Mostofi from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and activist and author Danny Ramadan from Syria, some of the themes discussed will include queer and trans migration as well as the politics of queer Arab identity and representation in the diaspora. Join us to learn more about the state of legislation, as well as the many local organizations exerting advocacy and capacity building efforts to better the lives of queer people locally.
Queering Borders: Immigration & the Arts
May 29th, at 3:30 PM
New York Theatre Workshop Community Engagement Associate Gaven Trinidad, New York Theatre Workshop Tow Playwright-in-Residence Victor I. Cazares and Immigration Activist & Medical Professional Ilon Rincon Portas in conversation about the political intersections of art, activism, immigration, and queerness. This conversation is in collaboration with Immigration Equality.
Creative in Queerantine: Being Out and Staying In(side)
May 20th, at 11:00 AM
A partnership event with MCC Theater, we will explore ways in which one can continue to exercise our creative muscle during these challenging times. Participants can share current projects, air frustrations and blockages and seek advice. We will offer a space to listen, commiserate and celebrate each other and what inspires us. Facilitated by artist and activist Nikki Meñez of New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco.
Creative in Queerantine: Being Out and Staying In(side)
May 8th, at 11:00 AM
An affinity space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. We will explore ways in which one can continue to exercise our creative muscle during these challenging times. Participants can share current projects, air frustrations and blockages and seek advice. We will offer a space to listen, commiserate and celebrate each other and what inspires us. Special guests from the Criminal Queerness Festival Adam A. Elsayigh, Migguel Anggelo, Sivan Battat, Amahl Khouri, Omer Abbas Salem, and Sam Hamashima, will be in attendance.
Writing with Pride: Writing Specifically Queer Plays
April 28th, at 4:00 PM
Looking for opportunities to stay creative while self-isolating? Join MCC Theater, National Queer Theater, and playwright Sam Hamashima for a free workshop.
