한 (han) — an untranslatable Korean idea that often is expressed in art, loosely referring to a shared cultural feeling of grief or loss.
Pothos Arts & Theater House believes in addition to normalizing the presence of trans artists in a predominantly cisgender canon, it is also imperative that trans artists are given the reigns to tell their own stories and recontextualize their own narrative.
Introducing Hantext Writing Group
…a multi-week collaborative writing workshop inspired by new works development from the Chicago storefront theater scene. Curated in partnership with REACH LA.
Class of 2022
Hantext Class of 2022 began on September 25, 2022 and concluded November 20, 2022. A New Works Festival consisting of seven entirely new staged readings written by queer+trans playwrights of color performed February 23-26 at East West Players’ historic David Henry Hwang Theater.
How does it work?
Writers will be accepted by application. This free program will aim to bring trans and gender-nonconforming writers together to promote accountability towards finishing a new work. Over the course of several weeks, writers will draft the beginnings of a new play or continue to work on an in-progress play, bringing in at least 10 fresh pages per week to be shared with the group and read aloud by group members. Group members, under the guidance of the course curator, will then share impressions on the excerpt.
What is the goal?
By the end of the program, we hope participants will have finished or close-to-finished new plays! The play does not have to be specifically about transness, nor does it have to be a conventional play. The choice is yours! A committee of individuals will then select two of the pieces for a staged reading, giving the playwrights the opportunity to see and hear their work. Playwrights will be offered a stipend for the performance of their piece.
Who is invited to apply?
Transgender and gender-nonconforming artists are specifically invited to apply. Queer individuals may also apply, minding that the focus of Pothos Arts & Theater House is to center transgender experiences. It is asked participants be vaccinated or able to produce a recent negative test result. Currently, the plan is to meet in person in Torrance.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! Donations are always appreciated if it is within your means, but the goal is not to profit off of new artists. We want to give you tools and see your art flourish!
When are applications going up?
Our first Hantext class is currently in session! Applications are currently closed.