NEW YORK, NY — Known across New York’s independent theater circuit for her sharp, physical directorial style and leadership within the theatrical community, KM Jones is stepping into compelling new artistic territory this August. Jones returns to helm Estaban, a powerful new drama written by her frequent collaborator, Julia Genoveva.
Presented as part of Program D at The Queens One Act Summer Festival, the production will run for four strictly limited performances at The Secret Theatre in Long Island City. Starring Gus Ferrari in the title role alongside Lily Salgado as Valeria, Estaban brings together a dynamic cast under Jones’s movement-focused lens to explore high-stakes emotional terrain within one of Queens’ most celebrated independent theatrical hubs.
Step Out of the Comfort Zone: A New Directorial Horizon
While Jones’s acclaimed directorial body of work frequently spans farce, avant-garde comedy, verse, and magical realism, Estaban offered an invitation to dive headfirst into grounded, deeply personal human drama.
“I love exploring new work that is out of my comfort zone, so when Julia approached me to direct ESTABAN, I was ecstatic,” says Jones. “I usually direct comedic/farcical plays and magical realism, but am rarely asked to direct heartfelt dramas. In Julia’s work, ESTABAN, I identify with who these characters are — a father and daughter trying to rebuild a relationship that is broken. At our first Zoom meeting, I asked Julia who these characters were and what inspired her to write the play. As a director, it’s always important to develop a level of trust with a playwright, since it’s their work we’re carefully developing, and Julia has always been a generous friend and artistic collaborator.”
Deep Trust and Physical Storytelling
Estaban marks the latest artistic pairing between Jones and Genoveva, continuing a fruitful partnership known for evocative storytelling and nuanced character studies. Bringing deep expertise in new play development and physical theatre, Jones constructs an immersive world for Ferrari and Salgado to inhabit.
“Bringing new works to life requires a balance of rigor, movement, and deep trust between the page and the stage,” Jones notes. “Collaborating with Julia is always an exciting journey, and with Gus and Lily bringing such raw energy to Estaban and Valeria, we are creating something truly special for Queens audiences this summer.”
The feeling is mutual. Genoveva—who founded Genoveva Productions in 2009 as a sanctuary for theater artists—considers Jones an essential guiding force for the piece: “She has a deep intuitive understanding of my stories and characters… under KM’s direction, my play is in caring and wonderful hands.”
About Director KM Jones
KM Jones is a distinguished director, producer, and theatrical leader. She is a proud member of the League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW), where she has served as a Board Member since 2020 and as Past Co-Executive Vice President.
Her acclaimed directorial journey has brought innovative, genre-pushing productions to prestigious venues across New York, including:
- The Flea Theatre
- Open Jar Studios
- AMT Theatre
- American Theatre of Actors
- A.R.T./New York
- Urban Stages
- The Chain Theatre
- The Tank
- The Drama League
Performance Schedule & Venue Details
Estaban will perform as part of Program D at The Queens One Act Summer Festival:
- Thursday, August 6 @ 8:30 PM
- Friday, August 14 @ 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, August 19 @ 6:00 PM
- Friday, August 21 @ 6:00 PM
LOCATION:
The Secret Theatre
10-10 44th Avenue (at 10th Street)
Long Island City, NY 11101
TICKETS & INFO: secrettheatre.com
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