Recommended by Donna Gordon

This little play is packed with meaning. Hageman succeeds in avoiding the hysteria over suicide and the tendency to over dramatize this societal problem. She shows the complexity of this issue and how it is dealt with in a friendship. The sparse dialogue adds to the reality.

This the most truthful play I've read about bullying. Hill deals with the question of the value of being the one who makes a difference. Any teen would relate to this so well and see the importance of grappling with this question.

The reality that these Native Americans face is presented in painful detail. They know the pains in their own culture to be, at least, understandable and necessary for survival. The ritualistic poetry spoken close to their own language brings the spiritual in view. This is a one of a kind view of a changing world that is tolerated through the lens of nature. Any one of these features makes for a great play that must be seen

A fascinating study of pollution by chemicals. Erickson is able to focus a scientific subject into a tale of two doctors. This aunt and niece combo provide question and answers to the effects of chemicals on the environment, animals and people. I would call this apocalyptic in its approach, but it may have a solid scientific basis. Whatever the case, Erickson brings in a sense of urgency which would keep any audience.

A play about the wisdom and winsomeness of an older lady. And a good pitch for the value of nature as part of spiritual guidance to those who gaze upon her. Trees talking involves a stretch of the imagination but in this piece these trees are realistic in the comfort they bring.

It's amazing how really nice people can get so involved in their own lives. Forgetting about a friend is definitely a teenage trait but carried on into adulthood for many. Haas uses the simple emotions of two teens to teach something profound.

Merilo writes a study of paranoid delusions. However, it's not at all clinical. The language unfolds a psychological thriller with ultra real images and dialogue. It's a cliff-hanger not to be missed as it covers contemporary themes and congruent traumas.

I recognize Hageman's voice right away. She sees the significance in details. Also, her dialogue is so realistic. She doesn't embellish and she easily reveals her theme

This is a tale of the extreme stress of losing the man you love. Wagner De Frange describes a dream which is at times a nightmare and at times an out of body experience. A whirlwind of emotions are vividly described and give the main character a nobility in her humanness. The style is poetic.

Two worlds collide : a bohemian existance with a lover vs. a profitable business partnership with a husband. I'm not sure either choice was fulfilling for this artistic soul.