Recommended by Nick Malakhow

What a complex, fascinating exploration of family and the influence that an abusive man can have beyond death. In Yassmine, Sami, and Nadiya, Malley examines how three generations of this family have been shaped/warped, held hostage by, and forever changed by the patriarch Gidou. What begins as a complicated family drama about ownership, power, and the tension between moving on past family trauma/patterns and remaining mired in it also has some surprising twists I didn't anticipate involving Karim, Nadiya's home health aide. All of the character are fascinating, especially the proud, suffering, frustrating, and sympathetic Nadiya.

An inventive, theatrical piece that looks at the subtleties of the harm Black folks and other BIPOC folks face as they navigate predominantly white institutions. I also appreciated how Washington examines the intersection of race and sexuality here and the unique challenges of being a Black queer person, even when one is "in community" with other queer folks. The arc of James and Marckus' connection is particularly moving and truthful, in all of its mini-victories, insights, and moments of hurt. I loved the realistic, not neatly resolved, but hopeful note it ends on. Would love to see this!

This is such a gentle and intricate ensemble piece that examines, above all, family--blood and found--and the tensions that emerge when those two kinds of family intermingle. All of the characters have distinct senses of yearning/longing that are fully realized here. The conflicts and fires that pop up are all compelling in their individual ways, make up a unique mosaic/impressionistic image of this community, and potent but not overwhelming. In other words, these characters grapple with a lot of pain and hurt, but it never feels exploitative of their experiences. Lovely play!

A terrifying and nuanced piece of speculative fiction! Max has a knack for creating cleverly constructed future/alternate worlds that feel all too plausible and real. Here, he explores what it means to be American and belong in the USA and defining moments for people from varying backgrounds in their identities as Americans. He also looks at the fear of replacement/scarcity mindset that lives at the root of so much anti-liberal discourse and rhetoric. I'm eager to follow this play's development trajectory and would love to see it performed!

A haunting and lyrical exploration of being queer (and struggling with family, substance abuse, and more) in territory that, at times, feel hostile and, at others, feels achingly like home. Jay is a compelling nucleus around which the play rotates, and beautifully observed, natural interactions are stitched together with poetry, inner life thrust outward, and highly theatrical moments. The love between all of the characters makes the tragic moments of the piece and the character disconnects/harms both disarmingly gentle and infinitely potent. I'd love to see this on its feet!

A hilarious, theatrical piece that is original in form and content. The core familial relationship in this play is nuanced, human, and funny--the humor all coming organically from Skyler, Helen, and Dave's conflicting needs and wants. Loved how the absurdity around the theatricalization of the renovations mirrored the tensions and attempts to come together by the family. I also appreciated the narratives present here that aren't often given a place in theater--namely, women in sports and the social and personal expectations related to that. I'm eager to follow this play's developmental trajectory!

At its heart, this is a beautifully rendered family drama, but the elements of intrigue and the larger meditations on the ownership and value of art add layers of nuance! Portia's impulsive decision as a teenager has fascinating ripple effects, and the way the ramifications do or don't play out is unexpected but satisfying. There is such poignancy to the ending in that what seems like an ultimate "win" for Evelyn and a skirting of the worst possible outcome is its own ultimate tragedy. The exploration of art, what its worth, and authorship of creativity was fascinating too!

A powerful and human exploration of family and how time can both put family trauma into soft focus and also seismically shape the ultimate relationship one has with their parents. The intersection of generational, cultural, and and identity divides is woven through. I also enjoyed the structural and theatrical inventiveness of the two present day chunks of the play sandwiching a rich and illuminating scene of history that puts the present moment into context.

A really inventive and theatrically compelling play about living with invisible, chronic illness and navigating others' expectations surrounding those health issues. The Body as a separate character is so beautifully (and humorously...and uncomfortably) used here as a visual, extended metaphor for Amy's fraught relationship with her own. I also just loved Amy's sense of humor--a well-rendered and realistic coping mechanism--and how it disarmed me for the poignant, moments of crisis and catharsis. This begs to be put on its feet soon and I hope to see it some day!

A poignant story about family disassembling and reassembling, outsidership, addiction, redemption, and anxiety. The central relationship between Ray and Simon is so delicately and intricately rendered, but in a way that isn't marred by false sentiment or melodramatics. Indeed, all of the characters are so nuanced and there is a lot of care and vulnerability in every scene. Each scene manages to be so powerfully yet subtly loaded with conflict and inner turmoil, but we never lose the sense that the characters care deeply for one another and are just doing their best to carve out their paths.