Lunchtime Theater - New Carpa Theater: The Moment

The Moment
Synopsis: Nina Floyd, her children, Billy and Kelsey, live quiet lives in the D.C. suburbs. Despite her job as an accountant at the White House and a 20-year career in government, Nina's never had much interest in politics, though her mom, Shirley, loves to wax on about her days in the Black Power movement. But the family's life takes a turn on February 10, 2007—the day a young and audacious politician with "a funny name" announces his quest to become America's first Black president.

This is the story of one family's social, cultural and political awakening, and “The Moment” that changes the course of their lives forever.

This theater production of “The Moment” presents a work-in-progress version of the play the author aims to develop into a full-length production. It was inspired in part by historical events, though its subject matter aims to address a wide range of issues in these tumultuous times and how they intersect with issues of race, culture and politics in America.

Audience members are welcome to send any comments about this production to [email protected].

Lunchtime Theater

Lunchtime Theater is a seasonal musical and theater performance program offered to enrich the community. Presented in partnership with the West Valley Arts Council and the City of Surprise, and hosted at the Arts HQ Gallery, it is a unique, diverse, and intimate experience among the visual and performing arts. Surrounded by gallery artwork, Arizona talent from the Phoenix Opera to local jazz trios and theater groups perform in an afternoon 1-hour show once a month from October-April. Ticket reservations are required in advance, and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch or go out and support one of the many local restaurants in Surprise. Open seating begins at 11:30am. Each performance runs 12noon-1pm. Reserve your tickets here or call (623) 584-2626 during gallery hours Wed-Saturday, 10am-4pm.

About New Carpa Theater

New Carpa Theater Co. was founded in 2002. New Carpa Theater is dedicated to the development and production of multicultural theater and film works. For more information, email [email protected] or call 602-460-1374.

The Playwright

James E. Garcia is a playwright, journalist, university lecturer and Phoenix-based communications consultant.

As a journalist, he’s worked as a reporter, columnist, editor, publisher, and foreign correspondent. Today, he writes for the Arizona Mirror, hosts the radio show and podcast, Vanguardia America (which airs on 1190 AM in Phoenix), and serves as editor and publisher of LatinoVibeAz.com.

The founder and producing artistic director of New Carpa Theater Co., he is the author of more than 30 plays, including “The Moment,” "Voices of Valor," “The Two Souls of Cesar Chavez,” and the  upcoming works: "Forget The Alamo," "Our Civil War" and “Pyg.” His first short film, "The Crossing" (coming soon) is based on his short play of the same name, which won the Kennedy Center Award for Best Short Play in 2006.

James has a bachelor's degree in journalism from UT-Austin and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing/playwriting from ASU.

The Director

Rod Ambrose is a poet, actor, director, playwright and community activist.

Originally from Chicago, he now lives in Glendale and runs the Talking Drum Performance Studio Network. Rod has been a lifelong advocate for social justice. Today, he is a founder and member of ADACA (African Diaspora Advisory Council of Arizona) whose mission is to celebrate African heritage in the community. He leads the Talking Drum Performance Studio Network.

Rod is part of a generational chain of storytellers that began with his great grandmother. “When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I spent a lot of time with her because everyone else in the house was working. She was a very quiet, solemn little lady. So, it surprised my mom how much she’d actually shared with me, because the old woman rarely talked to anyone else about these things. So, Mama Rosie, I think, led me to believe that these stories were sort of our secret.”

Host or Publisher West Valley Arts Council