ARTIST WORKING FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Decision Theatre Group

On Sunday afternoon Three Jewels was transformed into Decisions Play Festival. This was the second day of a 3-day fundraiser to help out Limitless Health Institute and Hurricane Sandy victims. Over $500 has been raised for a good cause while having a good time.

The afternoon started off with "Nigeria," a hilarious play for anyone who has ever received one of those spam emails from someone in another country claiming to be wealthy and in need of assistance. Writers Neil Rhodes and Qaadir Howard parallel a businessman's ongoing obsession with a Nigerian con artist with his love life problems.

Neil Rhodes and Qaadir's partnership on this story is a play in itself. Qaadir is a youtube star with his own hit page under the name, TIMAYA. Qaadir created the video I WISH TO GIVE YOU $250,000,000. "Nigeria" was loosely adapted from the video and has a lot of great potential to be expanded by the Rhodes/Howard writing team. Director Alexis Williams ties it all together nicely with a funny and daft cast.

Next up was Mariah MaCarthy's "A Really Good Mayor" about a woman victimized by a powerful mayor. A choice has to be made between being exposed to media attention. "Mayor" is a powerful drama by an exciting and emerging writer. MaCarthy is a Fringe Festival hit with "Magic Trick" and Ampersand: A Romeo & Juliet Story." Director Laurie Strickland expertly paces out the taut drama.

Christopher Paul Moore's "Pearl Street and Climate Change" tackles the weighty topics of New York history, climate change, and political courage. The play is a professorial monologue about the sites and sounds of Manhattan throughout the ages. Surprisingly, "Pearl Street" is lifted by the poetic language and the power of the message. J. Julian Christopher's directions help cull out the transitions and quiet moments in tribute to old Manhattan that feels both like an obituary notice and a promise of a new day.

Wrapping up the festival was "I Miss Birth Control" by Jennie Berman Eng. The satirical dystopia takes place in an America where people have to create their own birth control and condoms from whatever vegetables, and animal skins they can find while dreaming of fleeing to Canada and grabbing a few Trojans. Director Adam Knight also shines in directing this comedy that hits all the right notes.

Monday is the last night of "Decisions Play Festival." The grand finale will feature all eight plays from both Saturday and Sunday.

After all the hype and voting what do we have as a nation and a people.  The Decision is a short play reading festival about what happens after the heated election but also where we will be or should be after this November.  This event is a fundraiser for the Limitless Health Institute and to help families affected by the storm and living in shelters supported by Safe Horizon. Join us in watching a series of funny, incisive, dramatic short theatre peices. The Decision will feature a series of 10 minute plays written and directed and acted by some of New York's finest artists.   Produced by Aurin Squire Ten Minute Play  Festival The Decision  *Saturday 11/10, 7:00pm *Sunday 11/11, 3:00pm *Monday 11/12, 7:00pm * *Suggested Donation $10 for Saturday or Sunday/$15 for Monday (All 8 plays) Space is limited!  Reserve your seat today. Email 2012playfestival@gmail.com with Sat, Sun, or Mon  in the subject line.   SERIES A (Saturday and Monday)  Decisions Made a Mile High by Matt Vorzimer and directed by Rajendra Mahara Coming Home by Ron Holsey and directed by Snehal Desai HR 212 by Garlia Jones and directed by Kira Simring Dead Wives Dance the Mambo by Desi Moreno-Penson and Directed by Abigail Ramsey SERIES B (Sunday and Monday)  Nigeria by Neil Rhodes and Qaadir and directed by Alexis Williams A Really Good Mayor by Mariah MacCarthy and directed by Laurie Strickland Pearl Street by Christopher Moore and directed by J. Julian Christopher I Miss Birth Control by Jennie Eng and directed by Adam Knight   If you are unable to attend, please consider donating today! Click here to donate  We accept Visa, Mastercard and donations through Paypal The Three Jewels, New York City is a volunteer managed, donation based non profit organization. Your support helps us continue to offer meditation, yoga and dharma courses on a "by donation" basis. All donations, large or small are greatly appreciated.   You can also contribute a recurring monthly donation of $30 or $50.