Recommended by Shaun Leisher

This play seems to be an absolute dream for actors, directors and designers. Swirsky goes to places of grotesque absurdism without sacrificing the character’s humanity. The concept of model minorities and the American Dream are thrown on their heads in this awe-inspiring, intimate play.

At the start this feels like a piece of naturalism and if it would have stayed in that genre I think it would have still been a very good play. Roa knows though that in order to really delve into the lives and minds of these women theatricality and the breaking of the fourth wall must occur. The use of poetry and rhythm created by the actors come at perfect moments in the script as a way to show the full humanity of these characters. We need more plays that shine a light on the homeless community.

Stunning performance art about belonging and the constant voices that try to tell us where we don’t belong. This is a story that I feel anyone can connect with in some way but the brilliance is in how specific this story is. The story is filled with details for a picture that our storyteller paints so vividly with their words. Not all will connect with every aspect of this story but that’s OK and that’s what we need more of in theatre. Less attempts to tell “universal” stories and more opportunities for artists to bare their souls.

A lecture heavily rooted in satire that turns into a heartbreaking piece about identity. Roa expertly shifts between a performance art piece that takes white people to task for the misconceptions they burden Latinx people with and a deeply personal look at Latinx people not feeling like they belong in their own communities. Very excited to see this brought to life by some fearless actors.

This play perfectly reflects our human need for control and for all our losses to make sense. It’s an absurdist play that reveals the absurdity of life so well.

Sophia Valera Heinecke has a true gift for writing about historical figures in a way that doesn’t necessarily go for exact accuracy but in a way that perfectly captures their essence. Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson are larger than life artists made so human in this play. It’s a gorgeous reflection on collaboration and the idea of ones legacy with people that just happen to be famous.

Wonderful monologue and movement piece that I can’t wait to see staged. Partain perfectly captures the pain that comes with uncertainty around where we call home and who we call family.

A pure fever dream that’s written in away that you can’t help but feel Hannah’s discomfort as you read it. This is a side to dealing with cancer that just doesn’t get seen on stage much and I love how it’s portrayed in such an absurd, fantastical way.

A beautiful look at the creative process and how the art we make so often reflects and bleeds into our lives. The way Mangan explores platonic relationships between artists is also fascinating.

Matt Barbot is a genius. The way he explores gender and the idea of subverting Shakespeare by subverting the use of meter knocked my socks off. Can’t wait to see actors tackle this delicious monologue!!