Recommended by Nick Malakhow

What an exquisitely told story with masterfully-rendered characters! Latifa is an incredible nucleus for the play, and the evolution of her connection to her hometown, family, and estranged friends is multi-faceted and nuanced. Yasmin's handling of the intersectional identities of each character is complex and inspiring, and she writes them with such tenderness and care, even when they're in conflict with one another (or themselves). Yasmin also does not shy away from the traumas her characters have faced--particularly Latifa and George--but places them in the context of a story the winds its way towards hope and healing. *Produce this*!

A scandalous, surprising, and tension-filled piece of historical fiction that plumbs the controversial actions and motivations of several members of the House of Borgia. Rossi's scenes are briskly-paced and the dialogue is filled with engaging humor peppered throughout which never drags from the propulsive plot. I enjoyed reading this as a dual examination of Lucrezia's and Cesare's journeys, and how that was reflected in the play's structure and the described use of physical space--an excellent director and designers could have a field day with ground plan, lighting, and staging. Good work!

Loved this glorious story of with two sets of sisters and a curious outsider of a cousin at the center of it. Each character was rendered distinctly, and Simon utilized small moments and interactions to show subtle but palpable dramatic action and change. I both loved the potent and nuanced relationship between Mandy and Angie, and the central event involving Angie, Kathleen, and their unseen father was a beautifully executed seismic character/relationship shift that affected clear character change without contrived theatrics or drama. Funny, wonderful work!

A singular experience! This world is a mixture of heightened language, movement, a human, nuanced heart, and bold visual metaphors that are direct and potent. Sally's direct address throughout reminds us to carefully to re-examine norms and structures we've come to accept for what they truly are. Ijames explores structural racism, the legacy and impact of generational trauma, and the multi-pronged journey forward to dismantling these enduring, systemic problems. The piece ranges from hilarious to chilling (different versions of white supremacy on display in TJ and a theatricalized, all-too-familiar supremacist mob) to hopeful (the ambiguous, uncertain ending). Amazing!

A lovely piece full of rich roles for an ensemble cast of mostly young people. Each character is so deftly rendered and written with a sense of yearning and seeking. I loved the exploration of faith that honorED spirituality and religion while still questioning and interrogating their manifestation in structures and houses of worship. Wyatt was a compelling catalyst for change in the piece, but each character's journey feels cared for and whole. The play manages to be hilarious and poignant, as well as boldly theatrical, rhythmic, and surprising. I'd love to see this on its feet!

A beautiful play that explores so many intricate and well-rendered people and connections! Maeve and Nessa's relationship is painted here with a fine brush that honors their intelligence and individuality as humans, interrogates the relationship's strengths and limitations, and honors their obstacles while focusing on queer hope vs. tragedy. I appreciated the representation of multiple parental responses to their queer teens coming out, and the centering of healthy action steps in the face of adverse circumstances. This is a piece that should be read/consumed/performed by and for young folks (though it would also resonate with all ages). Wonderful!

A theatrical, sharp satire that examines violence against queer bodies. In Buck, Counselor, and Nancy, Johnson explores the multitude of ways heteronormative culture and heterosexual (or at least self-identified as such) people are made uncomfortable by violence against marginalized populations, but can center themselves and their fears, anxieties, and prejudices in response to it. In F****, we see the pressures put on queer folks to be "model gays" (or model examples of other minority groups) who can be pointed to when you proclaim your allyship because they are nonthreatening, placid, and, essentially, defanged. Funny, complex, wrenching.

Maggie is an amazing central character whose journey is human and compelling, and we root for her throughout the script. Bohannon examines financial strain of young folks, gender/racial/sexual double and triple standards, the stigma of sex work, and more with a great deal of nuance and complexity. Humor abounds here, but arises out of the situations and Bohannon treats her characters with sensitivity and care and with a crystal clear, sharp eye towards their intersectional identities. I also loved the clever use of projections to expand the world and social commentary within.

A theatrical, poetic, beautiful piece that examines brutal, senseless violence and its root in fear, hatred, and toxic masculinity. "In the End" does all of this, however, with a great deal of subtlety and nuance that never once exploits images of violence to evoke pain, but rather focuses on the humanity of those killed and of those left after in its wake. The mystical, spiritual thread running through grounds the play in hope and wonder. The structural punctuation of Bridget's interactions with the audience are powerful and make the climactic scene between her and Emmy poignant and cathartic. Glorious!

As with "meditations on a house party," Burnett succeeds at creating a unique theatrical mosaic that alternates between zeroing in on really specific, distinct moments and zooming out on large, primal, movement-oriented episodes. I loved the naturally unnatural dialogic rhythms in the first few scenes--spare, lyrical poetry coexisted alongside stumbly, real conversation. Things take a turn for the figurative in the second half and we see poetic ritual that recalls ancient theater. Throughout, the haunting atmosphere of nostalgia, longing, and remembrance hangs in the air. I'd love to see what a creative director and ensemble do with this!