2017
TENNESSEE WILLIAMS WINS A PRIZE Published in The Paragon Journal (October Issue)
Posted November 2017
TENNESSEE WILLIAMS WINS A PRIZE, a one-act play by William Ivor Fowkes, was published in the October issue of The Paragon Journal.
SYNOPSIS: When Tennessee Williams is awarded an important literary prize, he shows up at the reception late, inebriated, and accompanied by a male hooker.
NOT HERE YET Presented and Recorded in Florida
Posted November 2017
NOT HERE YET, a one-act play by William Ivor Fowkes, was presented in a live recording by the Radio Theatre Project of St. Petersburg, FL on November 27, 2017 at the Studio @ 620 in St. Petersburg, FL. It was then posted as a podcast on their Sound Cloud site. NOT HERE YET was first produced by Love Creek Productions at the Producers' Club in New York City in September 2012. The Radio Theatre Project presented another one-act by William Ivor Fowkes, THE NEXT MOVE, in January 2017.
SYNOPSIS: Two women fight for survival on the streets of midtown Manhattan.
A Bonus Performance of
MUSEUM LOVERS at the 2017 Theater Association of New York State (TANYS) Festival
Posted November 2017
After its run in Auburn, NY (October 26-November 4), the Harlequin Productions’ production of MUSEUM LOVERS, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes, was chosen to kick off the 2017 Festival of the Theater Association of New York State (TANYS), 7PM, Friday, November 17, 2017, Irene A. Bisgrove Theatre, Cayuga Community College, Auburn, NY.
Monologue Named Semi-Finalist
Posted October 2017
"Telling the Boys," a monologue cut from MARRIAGES OF INCONVENIENCE, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes, has been named semi-finalist by EXPOSITION REVIEW's Flash 405.
A Production of MUSEUM LOVERS Presented in Upstate New York This Fall
Posted September 2017
MUSEUM LOVERS, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes, was produced by Harlequin Productions at Cayuga Community College in Auburn, NY October 24-November 6, 2017. MUSEUM LOVERS was previously a finalist in Khaos Company Theatre's 2017 Dionysia New Play Competition in Indianapolis, IN, where an excerpt was produced in May 2017.
The genesis of MUSEUM LOVERS was a one-act play, MUSEUM PIECE, which was produced at the Downtown Urban Theater Festival at Theatre for a New City in New York in 2010, as well as at the New Works Festival at the North Canton Playhouse in Ohio in 2011, where a reviewer called it "the most riveting entry of the evening . . . a gem of clever drama interwoven with biting comedy."
One of the subplots of the play began life as a short play called MUSEUM PIECE #2, which was presented in a staged reading at Theatre Oxford in Oxford, MS in 2012 and subsequently published in Smith & Kraus's The Best 10-Minute Plays 2013. It was also produced at Pend Oreille Players in Newport, WA in July 2017 and has been published and licensed by Brooklyn Publishers of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Performance dates in Auburn, NY: Thursdays-Saturdays, October 24-26 and November 4-6, 2017.
SYNOPSIS: This "gallery of portraits" is an exploration and celebration of the joys and pitfalls of visiting art museums--proving that the visitors are sometimes more intriguing than the works on display.
A Review of SKYLINE: TALES OF MANHATTAN
Posted August 2017
SKYLINE: TALES OF MANHATTAN, a collection of 19 stories by William Ivor Fowkes, has received the following review:
“This fine, often poignant collection about lonely people seeking to make the right connection in a city filled with options is really about lonely people stymied and confused by all the choices that surround them. The stories successfully explore the internal fears and uncertainties of individuals struggling to discover a place (often it seems any place) where they belong . . .
“What is particularly original is the portrait of relationships, both straight and (mainly) gay, their complexity and how they evolve . . . How the characters evolve and come to terms with the circumstances of their lives is cleverly done. Most impressive is the one who reappears in several pieces who struggles with his latent feelings by denying them to himself until it becomes impossible . . . SCORE: 9 out of 10."
- BookLife Prize (from Publisher's Weekly)
THE FIDELITY CLAUSE to be Published Online
Posted August 2017
THE FIDELITY CLAUSE, a Comedy in Two Acts by William Ivor Fowkes, is being published online by The Eddy, an online repository of plays. In December 2017, THE FIDELITY CLAUSE will be sent out to all of the site's subscribers. The genesis of THE FIDELITY CLAUSE was THE BRAZILIAN DILEMMA, a 10-minute play produced twice and published by The Collective NY. A film version of THE BRAZILIAN DILEMMA, produced by Collective NY Films, will be released in 2018.
SYNOPSIS: Owen Griffith, a famous playwright whose career is on the decline, has a rude awakening that forces him to question his assumptions about fidelity and infidelity.
HARASSMENT Shortlisted for 2017 Writing Competition at Pint-Sized Plays, Fishguard, UK.
Posted August 2017.
Pint-Sized Plays of Fishguard, UK shortlisted HARASSMENT, a 10-Minute Play by William Ivor Fowkes, for their 2017 Writing Competition. Harassment was written for the Moral Dilemma Comedies Benefit Challenge at Abingdon Theatre, NYC, where it was presented in a staged reading in October 2011. It was produced at Colonial Playhouse, Alden, PA in 2013; at Thespian Production, NYC, in 2015; and at Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ in 2016.
Synopsis: Sexual harassment is no laughing matter for corporations who are charged with training their employees on the perils of this sensitive issue. Or is it?
Trailer for THE BRAZILIAN DILEMMA Released.
Posted July 2017.
Collective NY Films just released the trailer for THE BRAZILIAN DILEMMA, a 10-minute film written by William Ivor Fowkes, produced by Collective NY Films--starring Robert Z. Grant and Karen Chamberlain; producer Pulkit Datta; directed by Tim Naylor.
A Production of TABLE MANNERS IN SANTA MONICA in Indiana.
Posted July 2017.
The 4th Street Theater in Chesterton, IN is presenting TABLE MANNERS IN SANTA MONICA, a 10-minute play by William Ivor Fowkes, in their 4th Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival. Performances will run from August 25, 2017 to September 3, 2017. This is one of 3 plays from out-of-state writers; all others are by local writers. This play was first produced at Artistic New Directions' Eclectic Evening of Shorts in NYC, 2011. It was also broadcast on the radio is San Francisco, 2016, and published in Clockhouse Review, the literary journal of Goddard College, October 2013.
SYNOPSIS: A couple who meet through a dating site struggle through their first date.
A Reading of
PRIVATE PROPERTY to be Presented in New Hampshire.
Posted June 2017.
The Players Ring of Portsmouth, NH is presenting a reading of PRIVATE PROPERTY, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes, on Monday, July 24, 2017.
Next year, The Players Ring will be presenting a full production of PRIVATE PROPERTY in their Late Night Summer Series.
SYNOPSIS: A retired gay couple living for decades in the woods of northeastern Pennsylvania have amassed a curious collection of houses, each decorated in a different style. But when an inquisitive reporter comes snooping around, more than just their privacy is threatened.
THE NEXT MOVE to be Produced in Houston
Posted May 2017.
Theatre Southwest in Houston, TX is producing THE NEXT MOVE, a One-Act Play by William Ivor Fowkes, in its 20th Annual Festival of Originals (FOO), July 21-August 5, 2017.
SYNOPSIS: An elderly couple bickers their way through a Sunday afternoon, uncovering some disturbing things in the process.
MUSEUM PIECE #2 to be Produced in Washington State
Posted May 2017.
Pend Oreille Players in Newport, WA is producing MUSEUM PIECE #2, a 10-Minute Play by William Ivor Fowkes, in its One Act Play Festival this July. (Dates TBA). MUSEUM PIECE #2 was published in Smith & Kraus's BEST 10-MINUTE PLAYS 2013. An expanded version appears in MUSEUM LOVERS, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes.
SYNOPSIS: Four American tourists at the Prado Museum in Madrid argue about their reactions to Velazquez's masterpiece, Las Meninas, until a supernatural event derails their visit.
PRIVATE PROPERTY to be Produced in New Hampshire August 2018
Posted May 2017.
The Players Ring is producing PRIVATE PROPERTY, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes, in their Late Night Summer Series, August 17-26, 2018 (i.e., next year), Portsmouth, NH.
SYNOPSIS: A retired gay couple living for decades in the woods of northeastern Pennsylvania have amassed a curious collection of houses, each decorated in a different style. But when an inquisitive reporter comes snooping around, more than just their privacy is threatened.
AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK Presented at the William Inge Theater Festival
Posted May 2017.
AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK, a one-act play by William Ivor Fowkes, was presented in a reading at the William Inge Theater Festival Playlabs in Independence, KS. The festival ran from April 19 to 22, 2017. Highlights included a tribute to Beth Henley (pictured below), master classes (including one taught by playwright Alice Tuan), a tree planting to honor Edward Albee, classes, and workshops.
Independence, KS, was the home of William Inge (Picnic; Come Back, Little Sheba; Bus Stop; The Dark at the Top of the Stairs; Splendor in the Grass). His boyhood home is under renovation (pictured below). Now in its 36th year, the Festival celebrates his legacy.
AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK was first presented--in a full production--at the Black Box Festival at Gallery Players, Brooklyn, June 2016. It was then presented in a reading at Pittsburgh New Works Festival's PNWF Original Play Readings in Carnegie, PA, March 2017.
Fowkes Meets with Students at Sacred Heart University's "Literary Spring"
Posted April 2017.
William Ivor Fowkes met with students at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT on March 30 to talk about life as a playwright. The event was part of the College of Arts & Sciences' Literary Spring and took place in the Ryan Matura Library. Fowkes was invited by Prof. Jonas Zdanys (pictured with Fowkes in photo), the head of the school's Creative Writing Program. In addition to talking about the state of playwriting today and answering questions, he read his short plays, TABLE MANNERS IN SANTA MONICA and TARUSH THE CONQUEROR, and excerpts from his full-length play, SUNSHINE QUEST.
The campus newspaper ran an article about the event, which included the following student reaction: "'I liked the man's personality a lot because he was very amicable, outgoing, and enjoyable to listen to . . . ,' said junior Hunter Hatlee."
TABLE MANNERS IN CHICAGOLAND Named Winner and Scheduled for Staged Reading in Vermont
Posted April 2017.
TABLE MANNERS IN CHICAGOLAND, a one-act play by William Ivor Fowkes and an extended excerpt from his full-length play, THE HUDSON GUIDE TO TABLE MANNERS, has been named a WINNER in the Nor'Eastern Play Writing Contest at Vermont Actors' Repertory Theatre, Rutland, VT. It will be presented in a staged reading at the Brick Box, Paramount Theatre, in Rutland, VT on May 19 & 20 at 7:30 PM. (This play was previously produced at CAST Players in Beaumont, CA, June 2012, where it won the Audience Favorite Award and Third Prize in their National One Act Playwriting Competition.)
SYNOPSIS: Although Michael Hudson seems to have it all--a successful business, a loving wife, and two adult children--he also keeps a second family on the side. When his double life is exposed at his funeral, it triggers a range of reactions.
An Excerpt from MUSEUM LOVERS
Produced in Indianapolis
Posted March 2017
Khaos Company Theatre, Indianapolis, IN, presented a short excerpt from MUSEUM LOVERS, a Full-length Play by William Ivor Fowkes, at the 2017 Dionysia New Play Competition in May. DATES: 7PM, May 19, 20, 26 and 27th, 2017. LOCATION: Khaos Company Theatre, 1775 N. Sherman Dr., Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46218
SYNOPSIS: A wide variety of odd characters react to works of art in museums around the world. In this short excerpt, two women cruise for men at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK Accepted into William Inge Theater Festival
Updated February 2018
The New Play Lab of the 36th Annual William Inge Theater Festival in Independence, KS (William Inge's hometown) presented a reading of AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK, a one-act play by William Ivor Fowkes in April 2017. This play was first presented--in a full production--at the Black Box Festival at Gallery Players, Brooklyn, June 2017. It was then presented in a reading at Pittsburgh New Works Festival's PNWF Original Play Readings in Carnegie, PA, March 2017.
SYNOPSIS: At the Dakota on Central Park West, Marjorie Mumford frets over preparations for her husband's 72nd birthday party, but what's really worrying her is the absence of the birthday boy.
TABLE MANNERS IN GRAMERCY PARK Published
Posted March 2017
As announced last April, TABLE MANNERS IN GRAMERCY PARK, a short play by William Ivor Fowkes, has now been published in Smith & Kraus's volume of 105 FIVE-MINUTE PLAYS FOR STUDY AND PERFORMANCE.
SYNOPSIS: A romantic meal. A great NYC restaurant. Will that be enough to convince her not to drop him?
A REMARKABLE MAN Produced in Brooklyn
Updated February 2018
The Gallery Players in Brooklyn, NY presented A REMARKABLE MAN, a one-act play by William Ivor Fowkes, as part of their annual Black Box One Act Festival, June 8-11, 2017. This play is an excerpt from THE HUDSON GUIDE TO TABLE MANNERS, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes.
SYNOPSIS: At the funeral of the owner of the Hudson Certified Vacuum Cleaner and Floor Care Company, family secrets are exposed, and the heir to the company is revealed.
MUSEUM LOVERS Presented in Reading
Posted February 2017
MUSEUM LOVERS, a full-length comedy by William Ivor Fowkes, was presented in a reading at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, NY, February 18, 2017.
SYNOPSIS: An odd assortment of characters pass through some of the world's great art museums and prove that the visitors are sometimes more intriguing than the works on display.
MANHATTANIA! Named Finalist
Posted February 2017
MANHATTANIA!, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes, has been named a FINALIST in Mountain Playhouse's Playwriting Contest, Jennerstown, PA. This play was presented in a reading at Sundog Theatre on Staten Island, NY in 2015. MANHATTANIA! is a compilation of four one-act plays.
SYNOPSIS: Four tales of ordinary New Yorkers making unexpected connections: A man muddles through therapy in THE SESSION. Two women fight for survival on the street in NOT HERE YET. A recluse finally seeks company in THE DAKOTA. Three visitors spend an upsetting afternoon at MOMA in MUSEUM PIECE.
TABLE MANNERS IN CHICAGOLAND Named Finalist
Posted February 2017
After moving to the second tier in January, TABLE MANNERS IN CHICAGOLAND, a one-act play by William Ivor Fowkes and an extended excerpt from his full-length play, THE HUDSON GUIDE TO TABLE MANNERS, has been named FINALIST in the Nor'Eastern Play Writing Contest at Vermont Actors' Repertory Theatre, Rutland, VT. (This play was previously produced at CAST Players in Beaumont, CA, June 2012, where it won the Audience Favorite Award and Third Prize in their National One Act Playwriting Competition.)
SYNOPSIS: Although Michael Hudson seems to have it all--a successful business, a loving wife, and two adult children--he also keeps a second family on the side. When his double life is exposed at his funeral, it triggers a range of reactions.
MUSEUM PIECE #2 to Be Published and Licensed
Posted February 2017
MUSEUM PIECE #2, a 10-Minute play by William Ivor Fowkes is scheduled to be published and licensed later this year by Brooklyn Publishers of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was first presented at the 2012 National 10-Minute Play Contest, Theatre Oxford, Oxford, MS, where it was named 3rd runner-up. It was published in The Best 10-Minute Plays 2013, Smith & Kraus Inc. It has been expanded and incorporated into MUSEUM LOVERS, a full-length play by William Ivor Fowkes.
SYNOPSIS: Four tourists at the Prado Museum in Madrid bicker about their reactions to Velazquez's masterpiece, Las Meninas, until a supernatural event derails their visit.
A Reading of AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK
Updated February 2018
As part of its PNWF Original Play Readings, Pittsburgh New Works Festival presented a reading of AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK, a 30-minute play by William Ivor Fowkes, at the 3rd Street Gallery, Carnegie, PA, Monday, March 6,2017.
AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK was first presented--in a full production--at the Black Box Festival at Gallery Players, Brooklyn, June 2016.
SYNOPSIS: At the Dakota on Manhattan's Central Park West, Marjorie Mumford argues with her daughter while preparing for her husband's 72nd birthday party, but what's really worrying her is the absence of the birthday boy.
Another Recording & Radio Broadcast of THE NEXT MOVE
Posted January 2017
Radio Theatre Project of St. Petersburg, FL, presented a live radio broadcast of THE NEXT MOVE, a one-act play by William Ivor Fowkes, at The Studio@620 in downtown St. Petersburg, January 23, 2017. A recording of the play is NOW AVAILABLE. LISTEN HERE
Meanwhile, THE NEXT MOVE was also recorded for radio by Petaluma Radio Playersin Petaluma, CA in July and will be broadcast soon.
SYNOPSIS: An elderly couple bickers their way through a Sunday afternoon, uncovering some disturbing things in the process.
STACY'S COOKIES Named Semi-Finalist
Posted January 2017.
STACY'S COOKIES, a 10-minute play by William Ivor Fowkes, was named a semi-finalist in NYCPlaywrights' Women in the Age of Trump.
SYNOPSIS: As more and more women step forward to claim that Donald Trump assaulted them, a married couple watches with a critical eye.