SWIPE Begins Next Month in Los Angeles

Playwrights’ Arena (Jon Lawrence Rivera, Artistic Director), the first and oldest theater dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and producing original works written exclusively by Los Angeles playwrights, and Los Angeles LGBT Center (Jonathan Muñoz-Proulx, Artistic Director), the largest provider of services to the LGBTQ+ community in the world, are thrilled to announce the world premiere co-production of SWIPE conceived and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera. 

Inspired by Kroetz’s 1971 play Request Concert, this immersive, non-verbal experience offers a voyeuristic peek into the private moments of an older gay man living alone in Los Angeles - where technology and youth are the social currency. SWIPE transforms an empty art gallery into one man’s studio apartment, and you’re invited inside to witness the intimate rituals of independence and longing.

Ten years ago, Rivera, who produced the second production of Request Concert in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, wondered what it would be like if the person on stage was not an older woman, but an older gay man. “When he enters his single apartment at night, does technology make him feel more or less connected to the outside world? When he longs for physical connection, where does he turn to?”

The production stars: Ralph Cole, Jr., Dan Guerrero, Reggie Lee, and Nick Salamone. The play is performed by only one actor each night. All four actors are performing in repertory every week.

Production team includes: Leah Ramillano (scenic design), Matt Richter (lighting and sound design), Mylette Nora (costume design), Niall Sulcer (prop master), Letitia Chang (stage manager), and Zach Davidson (producer). 

SWIPE opening is set for Friday, April 4, 8 PM (with previews on March 26-31), at the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center’s  Advocate and Gochis Galleries at 1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood 90038 (one block east of Highland, just north of Santa Monica Boulevard). Underground parking is available.