Photo credit: Phil Henry

Smoke & Dust

My newest play, Smoke & Dust, will be produced in the spring of 2018 by Macha Theatre Works in Seattle.

Intrigue surrounds Barbara Strozzi, an ambitious 17th century composer rumored to be a courtesan. Her brilliance and musical talent are dismissed in a male-dominated profession that stifles female musicians. In Smoke And Dust, a modern acting troupe explores Strozzi’s music and the personal life of this historical figure: was she a victim, or an empowered woman defying society’s moralistic expectations? Playwright McCullough-Carranza deftly weaves together past and present as characters in both timelines struggle against the limits society places on a woman’s ambition.

Watching Alex Highsmith and Daniel Christensen rehearsing the world premiere of BLOOD/WATER/PAINT at Live Girls Theater. Photo by Joe Iano Photography.

I studied playwriting at Northwestern University, where I won the Agnes Nixon Playwriting Award for my first play. My plays have since been developed and produced in Chicago, New York, San Diego, and my home base of Seattle. In Seattle my work has been seen at FringeACT, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Mirror Stage Company, Live Girls, the Mae West Fest, 14/48, and Seattle Dramatists. I’ve twice been a finalist for the Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Heideman Award. I’ve have taught playwriting for Seattle’s ACT, in San Diego at La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre, and throughout Latin America.

Daniel Christensen and Alex Highsmith in the world premiere of BLOOD/WATER/PAINT at Live Girls Theater. Joe Iano Photography