48 Hour Play Fest

Launched earlier this year and officially introduced to the public in May through the collection Life Lessons: Confessions, Viva is a group of writers and theater artists dedicated to working with emerging artists and exploring issues surrounding social justice, responsibility and diversity. Simultaneously diving into the local theater landscape and engaging various factions of the scene, the upstart’s latest squeezes seven plays into a two-hour program concocted in just two days. Reminiscent of beat-the-clock programs like the the San Antonio Theatre Coalition’s Theatre ASAP and the widespread 48 Hour Film Project, Viva’s 48 Hour Play Fest tasks participating writers, directors and actors with scrambling up 10-minute productions that incorporate “a randomly chosen line, prop, and costume.” Bringing together independent artists and members of Viva, SAY Sí, The Overtime, Jump-Start Performance Co., Archetype Theatre Consultants and FIRE Collaborative, the inaugural event takes shape on the intimate stage at Southtown sausage specialist Frank.