DVC Drama Department presents seven original short plays, in a production titled, “Clash and Celebration of American Cultures.”

Director Ed Trujillo selected the plays from 105 scripts submitted to last year’s Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s playwright competition.

The series was inspired by Trujillo’s fascination with the American identity, and what it means — the ideal, and the contradiction.

“One of the most enduring aspects of America[n] culture is the freedom to speak your mind,” Trujillo said. “It is … the cornerstone of what I celebrate in American culture,”

Actor Alexander Kerel Rennacker explained, “Each play will make you think, raise questions and thoughts regarding to controversial themes of today’s America.”

“M/21 Bellevue” tells the story of two men as they cope with their feelings toward each other.

“I would hope this script would have the audience thinking about sexuality in terms other than white hat/black hat, either/or, hetero/homo terms other than a simple bashing,” said playwright George Holet. “It clearly presents a societal flash point.”

He added, “The play is a story which will make audience members ponder their own links between it and [the] ‘Clash and Celebration of American Culture.'”

In addition to starring in the plays, DVC students were involved in the production off stage.

Under Trujillo’s guidance, Cyle Swanstrom and Manlon Deleon directed two of the plays: “Here To Serve You” and “Madrigal In Black and White” respectively.

“There was huge chaos going around this activity,” Swanstrom said. “It is amazing to see how all the different things click together somehow and make one big product.”

Students were also responsible for the setting and lighting.

Trujillo said, “There are more than 160 sound signals in the play. It is incredibly demanding for student staff.”

Sound designer Ashelen Rimoldi said, “I have to do five things at once sometimes. I learn[ed] how to [multitask] enormously.”

The seven plays are: “The Miraculous Day Quartet” by Mary Steelsmith; “Here To Serve You” by Barbara Lindsay; “Veils” by Tom Coash; “Madrigal In Black and White” by Patricia “Pat” Montley; “M/21 Bellevue” by George Holets; and “By Malik In The USA” by Jen Sullivan Brych.

Following the play, the audience can participate in a question-and-answer session with the actors.

Performances run through May 18 in the Performing Arts Center-Arena Theater. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sundays.

Tickets are $13 general, $10 for DVC student with ID, $8 for students with DVC stickers.