Recommended by Shaun Leisher

I have definitely read many plays that are set in this place and time but this one feels unique. A moving short play that explores the relationship between a German woman and the Jewish woman she is hiding in her basement. The connection between these two feels so real. The situation these characters are in has really high stakes but Kantor finds a way to bring lightness to the play. This is also a play about art and how important a writer's authentic voice is. I could see this being really fun for a lighting designer.

Kantor brilliantly riffs on Greek mythology to explore the complexities of modern dating and the unfair pressures placed on women. I enjoyed this unique scenario. I could see this short play being done really simply or with real resources put into it. I'd love to see how a set designer would realize a restaurant in Hell. I'd love to see what a costume designer can do with this piece especially when it comes to Hunger. This would be so fun to see performed. Lots of opportunities for physical comedy for Persephone.

I really, really loved this play. I loved how Moses refuses to drown her play in trauma and pain. She tells an authentic story of her culture that defies stereotypes and tropes. The way these love stories flow into each other across time was absolutely brilliant. Moses masterfully keeps all these timelines distinct while also finding ways to blend them together. I loved that this is also a beautiful queer love story that is told with such care and nuance. These are such rich roles for Native actors.

On the surface this is a re-telling of the Antigone that explores who was right and wrong. When you dig deeper, this is a unique piece of experimental theatre that looks at what it means to take care of an audience being exposed to pretty heave subject matter. I loved the moments when the fourth wall came crashing down and we got to see the actors just be. I loved the role the audience plays in this piece. Ethics is looked at here in such an interesting way. I was delightfully surprised by the direction this piece goes in.

An absurd play that knows how to use all the conventions of theatre. It has so much heart, too. It's a play about a family of people that really love each other but also know how to let go when it's necessary. I loved the relationship between Burger and Fuck. They care so deeply for each other. I was moved when Burger questions whether her affection for Fuck is a good or bad thing when it comes to his growth. This play asks deep questions like that while also being hilarious. I loved all the outrageous stage directions.

A look at our future that has hints of the apocalyptic and sci-fi but stays grounded in real human drama. What would someone go through for the life they want? I love how deliciously complex Hoda is. She so badly wants to feel rooted to her heritage. She so badly wants to stay on the path towards her perfect life. This play also has some important things to say about the world of medicine and how it effects women. I hope this play gets produced. Amazing roles for actors of color.

Before reading this play, I had never heard of the Fox sisters but I had definitely come across pieces of media set in the 19th century that explores the supernatural. I loved the way the relationship between these sisters is written and how supportive they are of each other in such an oppressive household. I thought I had the ending of this play figured out but it genuinely surprised me. I would love to direct this and figure out how to portray that final moment. Great piece for young actresses.

Kantor brilliantly rewrites this classic myth to comment on what it truly means to be immortal. I loved how we are able to see change and growth in these characters. Achilles comes off as vain but we get to see that there is much more to him. Iphignia starts off timid and unsure but then leans into her place in the after-life. This play has tender moments but is also full of laughs. I really enjoy reading these plays by Kantor that take a story we think we all know and turn it on its head.

This is plays is absolutely wild in the best way possible. Crackling dialogue and breaks from real world logic made this play a pleasure to read. Weissman captures girlhood in a way that feels authentic but isn't afraid of getting really weird. This is a large cast play so many writers are afraid to pen these days but I love that Weissman did. This cast needs to be large to properly portray the community represented here. I love that this play has already been produced and I hope more productions follow.

This is a play about the American Dream that deserves to be a part of the great canon of American theatre. It's a play about the immigrant experience featuring characters that just don't get much representation on stage. This is a play about chosen family and the lengths we will go to for those we love. Even when they are insulting each other, these women never deeply caring for each other. I hope this play gets tons of productions. This is the kind of play that anyone can relate to. Proof that the specific is always the most universal.