André Richardson Hogan II’s play, Raisin Puffs, begins as three men discuss an assault on a former classmate. It is an extremely timely look at the issue of urban violence all too prevalent today.
To find out more about it, come to the 2nd Act Players’ 2017 New Playwrights’ Showcase Sept. 23-24. André’s play is one of seven chosen for staged readings at our showcase this year.
Buy your tickets today by clicking here or click on the ticket button on our site. And to entice you further, here are André answers to questions we asked all our winning playwrights:
1. When and why did you start writing plays?
It was in 1990, and when I was in the 7th grade at the age of twelve, that I was assigned Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun as a book report assignment. I was always a homebody – or a loner, really – for most of my childhood, and it was books and toys that have always been my sanctuaries, my comforts. Whenever, for example, I would play with my toys and – shhh! – my sister’s Barbie dolls, I would create characters, locations, situations.
But I was unaware that those very mechanisms were one of the key elements to playwrighting. So, when Raisin came along, and how that play was written with culture, energy, intellect, and, if anything, of believable authenticity, that was when, again, at the tender age of 12, I started writing. I felt a connection. And it has been drafts and scribbles and smears let alone tears ever since.
2. What do you expect the audience to feel after hearing your play at our showcase?
The play tells of three mens’ personal observations towards an assault and upon a former classmate. Despite the characters’ various backgrounds, they could relate to each other several issue, especially the matter of — paraphrasing from Sister Hansberry – ‘man’s sense of inhumanity to man.’ I hope the audience, given each of their own different backgrounds, can connect any or all of the issues noted – dramatically or humanly so – in the play.
3. Do you have a favorite character in your play and why or why not?
I would say MAN #1. Yes. I could consider him as my favorite character, because he is my alter ego in Raisin Puffs, as this play is semi-autographical. MAN #1 was a “nerd” growing up. And he has been teased, underestimated, disrespected. But, thankfully, he has grown into a professional, structured and dignified individual as I, thankfully, have. But THAT right there is another story!!
4. What’s the one technique that helps you get past writers’ block?
Music. Walks. Plays or any other literature I have read or yet to read. And, yes, in my draws. Sometimes with no draws. But, no, I have not took any walks, at least, with or without my draws on. Hell naw.
5. What’s something most people don’t know about you that you’re now ready to share with the world?
Well, I’ve always been spontaneous. Explosively so! So whatever it is I give you – or throw, so to speak — and with time and grace, it would always be considered a hand-grenade. I love sharing things that are combustible, but with a sense of art, culture, education, energy, and fun. Now, what I am ready to share right now? At this very moment? I don’t know. But, in time, I will You will. All of us! And, baby, I, for one, am looking forward to it.