Recommended by Olivia Lilley

  • Ghosts of Whitechapel
    8 Jun. 2020
    Kate's writing is fresh, action packed, and manages to really fuse the personal and political. An inventive concept crescendos to a surprising and very satisfying ending. This may appear to be a period piece but it is alive as hell. If you're looking for a play about intersectional feminism, crime dramas, and ghosts, look no further. Murder mystery podcast enthusiasts, get on this.
  • FLEX
    8 Jun. 2020
    One of the most original plays I've read in awhile. Jones has so much heart for her characters. She creates complex people who truly transform, each in their own way. The theatricality lets your imagination run wild. Deals with important issues effortlessly.
  • My Dear Hussein
    8 Jun. 2020
    Delightful and heartbreaking story of a young girl living through horrifying times. Wonderful Middle Eastern characters. If you're going to read only one play about war, read this one.
  • Pairi Daiza
    8 Jun. 2020
    Gorgeous world building. Complex characters. Fresh. Grounded in love and understanding. A must read.
  • The Persuadables
    8 Jun. 2020
    I've been fascinated by this play since experiencing the first draft at Prop Thtr. Hallie never shies away from characters with real complexity. She balancing the personal and political in exciting ways. Data Mining is something we absolutely need to be talking about. If you're looking for a play that is a legit serious political thriller with a heart, this is a must read.
  • The Prince and the Pauper
    8 Jun. 2020
    This adaptation is incredibly fun and brilliantly showcases the ensemble that pulls it off. It's not your run of the mill children's play. Check it out!
  • Gulliver's Travels: A Play With Scale
    8 Jun. 2020
    This children's theatre piece is so inventive and empathetic that it could play just as easily for teens and adults. Filled with humor, but also grounded in real issues, this adaptation is fresh and enchanting.
  • Good Enough (In Development)
    8 Jun. 2020
    Cara Beth crafts sensitive, nuanced portraits of women dealing with impossible circumstances. The magical elements of this story feel so grounded and essential. This is a period piece but it's the opposite of dusty. You should definitely read this if you are looking for stories about forgotten regional worlds. I could see this play performing in a small community just as easily as a large one. Check it out.
  • Ideal House (PERMANENT PRODUCTION HIATUS, for reference only)
    8 Jun. 2020
    Cara Beth has an eye and an ear for the quiet ways in which we fall apart and all of the factors that got us here. Her work is very much tied to our generation's experience and tackles how we deal in sharp and surprising ways. Cara Beth has so much empathy for all of her characters. Keep an eye out. This is a Chicago playwright to watch.
  • HOW TO PICK A LOCK
    8 Jun. 2020
    Tanuja's characters are highly specific and people you NEVER SEE ONSTAGE. Her world building is incredible and full of blood, sweat, and tears. By programming this play, you will be exposing your audiences to a point of view they urgently need to hear. Definitely check out "How To Pick A Lock", and keep an eye out for everything Tanuja writes. It will make you think hard about what you're doing for your community and the world at large.

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