“What I’ve always loved about the arts is that they create both a mirror for the self and a window to the world outside of our own personal stories,” says playwright Rachel Schulte, whose new play, In Memory Of, premieres at this year’s Fresh Fruit Festival. With a sense of calm that comes from knowing one’s course in life, she said, “In everything I do as an artist, I want to create something that serves both of those purposes. It’s a very powerful medium, the theatre, and when I write I always have those things in mind.”

This play – while its subject matter is never NOT topical, it was actually inspired by a dream. That dream became a scene; that scene became the play. The play’s foundation comes from her experiences as a queer woman with a chosen family that is deeply meaningful to her – and her with mental health.

Directed by Alysia Homminga, Rachel Schulte’s dramedy is about found families, and the important role they play in the lives of queer people.

The Memory Of follows the story of Renee, a young artist struggling to overcome personal trauma and the grief of losing a loved one. The family of friends she has built in New York, along with the sister who raised her, continue to try to navigate how to help her as she spirals. All the while, Renee and the others are coming to terms with the ever-changing relationships in their lives.

Throughout the play, we shift between memories of the past and present day, weaving in and out as thought and reality fight for dominance in Renee’s life.

Which is which? And will she realize the truth before it’s too late?

PLEASE NOTE: TRIGGER WARNING

Suicide, Grief, Mental Illness, Emotional Abuse

The vibrant cast includes Nikki Lyn Neuror (Billions, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Hunter Hopkins Dunn, Ria Meer, JulieThaxter-Gourlay (Law and Order: SVU), Tricia Mancuso Parks (Blacklist, Law and Order: SVU), Heather Abrado, Michael Thibeault, Russ Cusick (Law & Order, Wurtzle Brothers), and Julia Baker. Allison Hohman serves as stage manager.

Director Alysia Homminga has done extensive work in new work development in New York with credits that include Theater for the New City, The Tank, Gallery Players, and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.

Writer-actor-singer, Rachel Schulte, along with Julie Thaxter-Gourlay, founded The Lipstick Project, one of the producing entities of The Memory Of.

TLP strives to promote women and queer folks in the arts.

DQ spoke with this visionary writer:

We hear there are a few companies involved in this. What was the journey? The process that got you here?

We are very lucky to have so many wonderful communities involved with getting this show on its feet. The Lipstick Project is an amateur theatre troupe I founded in Stamford, CT, and we have longed to bring it to our new home in Brooklyn for quite some time. With the mission of promoting both women and queer folks in the arts, this seemed like a great opportunity to do so. LawnChair Theatre is an incredible traveling outdoor Shakespeare company that we have worked with for many years, and they have always been supportive of the people involved, as can be seen with their support of this production. We are also thrilled to be working with All Out Arts for the first time!

This play has a very powerful theme. What do you hope the audience takes away from seeing your show?

I hope the audience walks away with a deeper understanding of queer life, love, and family. It is also my hope that they take away an appreciation of the importance of art to the artist, and of course, a better understanding of those who struggle with their mental health; how it is always important to take care of yourself first.

Why the Fresh Fruit festival?

Everyone I know who is familiar with Fresh Fruit absolutely loves it, and I’m so excited to be a part of a festival that showcases the work of queer artists.

What’s next? 

With TLP just starting out in the area, we can’t wait to share more with you! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @lipstickprojectnyc to stay up to date with upcoming auditions and events! And check us out at lipstickprojectnyc.com