We are hosting a VIRTUAL/hybrid in-person reading of my short play called “Polar~ization” this Sunday, Feb 16, 2025 from 5pm-6pm (Eastern Standard Time). This event is first and foremost a VIRTUAL event which is accessible on discord server. (And possibly zoom or teams). In person participation at Case Western Reserve in the AW Smith building (This is next to the strosacker auditorium building). Parking is in the Veale public parking lot. Masks are REQUIRED for in person participation. Kn95 masks will be available upon arrival. About the Play: A whimsical, short play with music about community love, solidarity, and collective action. The elves unite to overthrow the oligarchs (Santa and Mrs Claus) with help from some penguin friends they meet In the South Pole. It has an uplifting ending And is written like a poem (think “Where the Sidewalk Ends” or “The Night Before Christmas"). Genre: hope-core, fantasy. Cast list: Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Santa Claus (villain) Mrs. Claus (villain) Emperor Penguin (villain) Lead Elf (the protagonist speaker ) Lead Penguin (surfer dude, a friend of the elves) Ensembles: there are 2 ensembles of protagonists. These groups move somewhat in unison and together have 1 speaking line. The purpose of a large ensemble is a (quite literal), SHOW of solidarity. Elves (8-10 people+) -unionizing workers and natives to the North Pole. The exploited main protagonists of the story. Rockhopper penguins (8-10 people+). -surfers, ice-brick technicians, native to the South Pole. Overall cool dudes. Roles are open to all genders and demographics. Artists with disabilities, LGBTQAIP+ artists, and artists of the global majority are strongly encouraged to participate. You are welcome to listen along like story time, or to participate and read for one of the roles. This is an unpaid activity to assist in the artistic process of new play development. Email Selena (she/they) at Selena.vicario@gmail.com or Selena.awesome@proton.me for access to the script, the room number, or virtual link. watch the trailer teaser here: https://youtu.be/s7-fHUmQhek?feature=shared Selena Awesome Vicarío (She/they) Selena.vicario@gmail.com Selena.awesome@proton.me