Company of Man

by Ashley M. Cowles

Fresh off their debut with the New York Theater Festival, “Company of Man” is coming to an Off-Broadway theater near you!

“Based on true events, ‘Company of Man’ seeks to revive the lived experiences of 20th-century musicians Edward ‘Benjamin’ Britten and his life partner, Sir ‘Peter’ Neville Luard Pears by means of their personal letters. In tandem, modern-day roommates ‘Mark’ and ‘Joe’ grapple with their...

Fresh off their debut with the New York Theater Festival, “Company of Man” is coming to an Off-Broadway theater near you!

“Based on true events, ‘Company of Man’ seeks to revive the lived experiences of 20th-century musicians Edward ‘Benjamin’ Britten and his life partner, Sir ‘Peter’ Neville Luard Pears by means of their personal letters. In tandem, modern-day roommates ‘Mark’ and ‘Joe’ grapple with their identities, shared feelings, and sexual violence.

In conjunction, the full-length drama challenges audiences to draw comparisons between old and new-age prejudice. At its core, ‘Company of Man’ is a love letter to queer people, a testament to their experiences, and a celebration of their resilience.”

After a critically acclaimed debut with the New York Theater Festival, “Company of Man” is making its Off-Broadway premier for eleven weeks only! See “Company of Man” at AMT Theater on Sundays at 2pm November through January.

Learn more at companyofman.com.

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Company of Man

Recommended by

  • Brian Hugh O'Neill: Company of Man by Ashley M. Cowles
    “

    Company Of Man is a gorgeous new work of immense sensitivity and insight. The juxtaposition of timelines is beautifully navigated, and the story flows with the precision and tempo of a masterful chamber piece. Ashley Cowles is a writer to be reckoned with. Bravo!

    Company Of Man is a gorgeous new work of immense sensitivity and insight. The juxtaposition of timelines is beautifully navigated, and the story flows with the precision and tempo of a masterful chamber piece. Ashley Cowles is a writer to be reckoned with. Bravo!

    ”
  • Brian Gene White: Company of Man by Ashley M. Cowles
    “

    This is a truly lovely work with complicated, loving relationships. The theme of hope threads through the story even during the darkest moments. The structure makes it feel like a symphony with both time periods speaking in concert, lifting and illuminating both stories. Beautiful.

    This is a truly lovely work with complicated, loving relationships. The theme of hope threads through the story even during the darkest moments. The structure makes it feel like a symphony with both time periods speaking in concert, lifting and illuminating both stories. Beautiful.

    ”
  • Sam Heyman: Company of Man by Ashley M. Cowles
    “

    Blending the contemporary with a lesser known but exhaustively researched historical love, “Company of Man” is a feat of queer docudrama and slowburn romance. Readers familiar with Cowles’ prior draft will relish revisiting these endearing friends-to-lovers while also marveling at the play’s new layers of resonance, which render this already timely narrative into a timeless classic. This play’s finale will bring audiences to their feet, and more than a few among the crowd to tears.

    Blending the contemporary with a lesser known but exhaustively researched historical love, “Company of Man” is a feat of queer docudrama and slowburn romance. Readers familiar with Cowles’ prior draft will relish revisiting these endearing friends-to-lovers while also marveling at the play’s new layers of resonance, which render this already timely narrative into a timeless classic. This play’s finale will bring audiences to their feet, and more than a few among the crowd to tears.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations
Four men, nonspecific ethnicity. MARK, JOE, BENJAMIN, and PETER should be played by queer actors.

Production History

  • Professional, AMT Theater (Off-Broadway), 2024
  • Professional, New York Theater Festival, 2023