The Redbud Community Play Reading Series is a free monthly reading series in which community members and theatre professionals share in the joy of reading plays aloud together.
These unrehearsed readings offer opportunities to appreciate plays written by local playwrights and IU alums, and established plays we may not otherwise be exposed to.
This month’s reading is . . .
CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE, OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE by Charles Ludlam
Another collage epic by the master of The Ridiculous Theatre, a futuristic tale of war across the universe. Tamberlaine, President of Earth, proceeds from planet to planet, capturing and enslaving Bajazeth and Zabina-King and Queen of Mars-Venus, and Natolia, Queen of Saturn, among others. Cosroe-a Martian prince and twin brother of Zabina-leads the rebel forces against Tamberlaine in Ludlam’s mind-bending experimental classic, his theater of “sexual, imperialistic war.” Literary, film, and dramatic treasures are ransacked and pillaged for the hilarious dialogue and multiple plots in this unbridled original, humorous tale of unbridled space queens!
Charles Ludlam (1943-1987) grew up in Queens, New York, just a few subway stops from Greenwich Village, and the heart of Gay America. At 24, he founded the Ridiculous Theatrical Company, where he wrote, directed and performed in almost every production for the next two decades, often with Everett Quinton, his life partner and muse, by his side. Renowned for drag, high comedy, melodrama, satire, precise literary references, gender politics, sexual frolic and a multitude of acting styles, the Ridiculous Theater guaranteed a kind of biting humor that could both sting and tickle. His many plays included Turds in Hell, Der Ring Gott Farblonjet, a riff on Wagner’s Ring Cycle, Bluebeard, and The Mystery of Irma Vep, his most popular play, and a performer’s tour-de-force. Ludlam continued working until almost the day he died of PCP pneumonia, just three months after his AIDS diagnosis. He was 44.
Interested in performing?
Fill out this form and we’ll do our best to incorporate you into future readings!
“[this series] pairs playwrights, actors and audience in a casual group setting that encourages engaging conversations. As a local playwright it can be difficult to find places to share my work within Bloomington. This play reading series has helped to fill that need in the community.”
-Brennen Edwards, local playwright
Performers from the reading of ‘a profoundly affectionate passionate devotion to someone; noun’ by debbie tucker green 
Friends enjoying homemade sancocho at the play reading of ‘Sancocho’ by Christin Eve Cato 
Homemade sancocho for the ‘Sancocho’ reading! 
Performers from the reading of ‘Sancocho’ by Christin Eve Cato 
Performers from the reading of ‘Tragedy: A Tragedy’ 
Performers from the reading of ‘Tragedy: A Tragedy’
Want to learn more? Email playreading@redbudbooks.org with your questions
This programming is supported by a City of Bloomington Arts Commission Arts Project Grant.
