“Earthshine” by Makaela Shealy–Sachot
Part of the New Perspectives Theater Company’s annual “Emergence: Women’s Work Short Play Festival”, Makaela Shealy-Sachot’s “Earthshine” is a mystical fairytale set in a closed religious community. Directed by Karin Crighton, the story centers on two non binary characters looking to escape their oppressive religious community. T, played by Jenny O’Connell, instigates H, played by Riley Jo-Payne (they/them), to escape their pre-determined destiny in order to try to break free from the toxic cycles of religious trauma and repression. While the cast centers two non binary characters played by non binary people, cis actors Sue Chmielarz (she/her) as Ali and Ben Bocko (he/him) as Martial, help ground the story and bring it to life.
Rialto
An Oblivion Films production directed by José André Sibaja, “Rialto” is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”, co-written by Giacomo Rocchini. Antonio (Tristan Colton), a corrupt and failed policeman takes his young lover Besy (Jenny O’Connell) to a powerful queen bee harlot, Sheila (Giacomo Rocchini). The damsel in distress asks her for a loan to pay a debt with a dangerous gang. The bitter creditor will demand a gruesome payment for her services. Shot locally in Brooklyn with gorgeous cinematography by Ibai Vigil-Escalera.
June’s Kitten
Winner of the “Best Experimental Short” at the NYC Chain Film Festival. Written and directed by Sam B Russell, the film revolves around a late night where two lonely people make a tender and tenuous connection at the club that pours out onto the streets of Brooklyn in the wee hours of the morning. Starring Maddie Jewell as June, Jenny O’Connell as Kat, and August Broos as Harper, the majority of the cast is lead by non binary people playing characters that are not tethered to binary gender.