STORYTELLING FOR SOCIAL IMPACT: CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ARTIST DIANA VARCO RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD FRINGE

RISE

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Rise
Written and Performed by Diana Varco
Directed by Meridith Grundei
Produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson

What if our childhood rage could speak? What would she say? What wars would she wage?

Diana Varco’s solo play Rise, answers that question (and more) in a dynamic, hard-hitting, magical realism one-person show – told through 20 characters.

Fast-paced. Existential. Explosive – Rise opens up nuanced conversations around mental health and healing – specifically addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the power of Denial, roots of addiction, and rising to one’s Purpose in spite of it all.

Written in rhyme, Rise is compelling storytelling performed on a bare stage with just one chair. It’s dramatic, yet lightened by comedic elements, and gives an unapologetic, vulnerable and charged peak into a rarely talked about experience – foster care.

Audiences meet Truth (the steward of the show), Childhood Rage (a tiny spider), Writer’s Rage (fire & ash blowing diva) and a myriad of multiple characters, all upon a metaphorical moon.

Diana Varco’s one-person show Shattered stunned audiences at Hollywood Fringe 2017; now, the critically acclaimed solo theatre artist presents her next new work Rise at Hollywood Fringe 2026.

A trained improviser and character actress, Diana uses her comedy training to approach tragedy and create poignant commentary on several difficult to approach topics.

Directed by Meridith Grundei, with solo theatre guidance and production support by Soaring Solo CEO Jessica Lynn Johnson (Director of Shattered, Producer of Rise) – Rise calls the viewer to dive deep into the very concept of rage, judgment and self-sabotage – to find hope in moments that hurt us the most and resilience in the smallest parts of ourself.

60min | Content warning: Distressing topics, strong language | 18+ Age Recommendation

RISE LISTING INFORMATION
Dates / Times: (60min – no intermission)
Tuesday, June 9th – 5:30pm PT
Saturday, June 13th – 6:30pm PT
Sunday, June 14th – 12pm PT

Venue:
The Actor’s Company (The Other Space)
916 N. Formosa Ave, LA 90046
Phone: (323) 463-4639

Tickets: $18 general
Ticketing link: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/14443

Diana Varco Website: www.dianavarco.com
Show Images available upon request by reaching out to Diana at [email protected]

For more information and interview availability please contact Diana Varco on [email protected]

Content warning: Rise contains discussion of potentially distressful themes, including but not limited to child abuse, alcohol use, sexual assault, strong language – viewer discretion recommended***

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