Leviathan Lab, in collaboration with Second Generation Productions, TLAB SHARES, and Mixed Asian Media, presents WinterFest, a dynamic multi-week festival featuring new works by Asian American theatre artists. Running November 20 through December 7, 2025, at Theaterlab (357 West 36th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY), WinterFest includes a double-bill of new solo performances and a one-night-only staged reading, highlighting the creativity and diversity of contemporary Asian American voices in theatre.

Double-Bill: Two New Solo Performances

The centerpiece of WinterFest is the National New Play Network NYC Rolling World Premiere of FULL CONTACT, written and performed by Ariel Estrada and directed by Gaven D. Trinidad. Estrada, also Leviathan Lab’s Producing Artistic Director, draws from his own experiences as a survivor of a high-control group to explore themes of guilt, survival, and identity. The solo performance delves into Estrada’s journey as a first-generation Filipino American and a Gen X gay man navigating the weight of ancestral history. Estrada said, “The play began with the question, ‘How did I, the ambitious son of Filipino immigrants, fall for such obvious manipulation?’ That question led to a deep reckoning with my intersecting identities.”

Joining the program is a developmental workshop of X#! YOU VERY MUCH, MOM*, written and performed by Đavid Lee Huỳnh and directed by Nana Dakin. Huỳnh’s work continues to explore complex family dynamics and Asian American experiences with humor and emotional depth.

The double-bill runs approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission, with performances Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. (no performances November 25–30). Preview performances take place November 20–22, with opening night on November 22 at 7:00 p.m. An ASL-interpreted performance will be offered on Saturday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $125.

One-Night-Only Staged Reading: BLOOD/SUCKER

WinterFest also features a free, one-night-only staged reading of BLOOD/SUCKER by Anamaria Guerzon, directed by Nicholas Polonio, on Monday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m.. This 90-minute political satire/horror examines the public school system through the story of a high school social studies teacher navigating parental complaints, shifting student behavior, and administrative scrutiny. Guerzon’s work blends biting humor with pointed social commentary, making for a compelling, thought-provoking performance. Suggested contributions are $20–$35.

About WinterFest

Since its founding in 2009, Leviathan Lab has focused on creating space for Asian American theatre and film artists to develop new work. Ariel Estrada said, “WinterFest is an exciting opportunity to experience these exceptional rising voices,” highlighting the festival’s commitment to innovation, representation, and storytelling that resonates with contemporary audiences.

The festival offers a rare chance to experience cutting-edge Asian American theatre, from the intimate and introspective FULL CONTACT to the playful yet critical X#! YOU VERY MUCH, MOM* and the darkly satirical BLOOD/SUCKER. With diverse narratives, experimental staging, and talented artists at every level, WinterFest exemplifies the vibrancy and urgency of today’s New York theatre scene.

Tickets and Information:

• WinterFest double-bill: https://ci.ovationtix.com/28175/production/1256651
• BLOOD/SUCKER staged reading: https://ci.ovationtix.com/28175/performance/11718822
• General info: https://theaterlabnyc.com/leviathan-labs-winterfest/

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