Recommended by Rachael Carnes

Hageman delves into lasting trauma in this compelling monologue. It has such a strong, tactile quality, embracing the challenges of daily life, of memory, moving forward, pulling us into a broken world, and yet helping us to see a faint quiver of hope, of mending. There is much for an actor to explore and develop here. Another beautiful new play from such a gifted writer.

A fascinating play, walking a knife-edge between emotional free-fall and an almost clinical isolation borne of the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of contemporary life. I was completely drawn into the language, roughhewn in one moment, lyrical the next. Also intriguing, are thoughtful way-finding markers, the addition of projections that reveal an impenetrable inner quest, as if our browser windows and their revealing search histories act as a daily footprint, externalizing our needs, wants, hopes, and fears. This play demonstrates so clearly, the writer's deep compassion and nuanced facility for creating multi-dimensional character and exquisite storytelling. Bravo!

A charming and fascinating play — Without words. No dialogue. Who needs it? In Hageman’s capable hands, a scene is crafted with movement, moments, looks, gesture, with diaphanous sighs and furtive emotions. I adore the filter between inner experience and outward appearances, touching on so many aspects of what it feels like to be a youngish human, as only Hageman can.

The alchemic development in this play is intoxicating. Lee’s world is so complete, so redolent, built with a few keystrokes, yet magnetic, like crawling inside a painting, through a portal into another world. I love, love, love, the dance between past and future, slipping between antiquity and science fiction. This would be a delight to stage!

Echoes of past heroics reverberate in this piece, training a fresh perspective on the common transition of an older person into supportive care. Will the fact of their survival, their courageous and indominable experiences, come with them? Rajeckas’ gentle exploration asks us to consider our elders in light of their whole lives, offering hope that despite a shifting horizon, a deeper spirit still burns bright.

A charging nightmare, skating between dream and reality, nuanced and terrifying. Partain’s voice, her clever capacity to bring everyday anchors into emotionally unhinged moments, makes the work all the more relatable, resonant. This piece has an impressive journey, steep cliffs and sharp corners, taking us deep into the heart of fear and loss.

There's such a strong tactile quality to this play - it makes me realize that even though weather changes our moods and routes and experiences every day, I hardly see or feel it onstage. Silverman's setting is inherently energetic and exposed, a place where love might blossom, or safety might fail. Big ideas are exchanged amidst humor and the chemistry between the two characters. Such a tight, clever play!

A lovely piece, charting an artist’s experience and determination, in a dialogue between older and younger versions of herself. Costa interweaves music effortlessly, creating a magical interplay for the audience, likely dropping them into memory, too.

Costa’s imagistic and tender play resonates with loss, of a future. It’s intelligence balanced with bold theatricality, this dialogue creatively takes on climate change, from a new vantage point. Costa’s nuanced language delve from the cellular to the celestial, tripping us up in the midst of our concerns, with an uncanny sense of hope. Not sure how she even does this! A perfect addition to a festival on the environment and climate change.

When an openly gay newcomer appears on the scene, an Indian Ugandan's world is turned upside down. Snider's lyrical lilt, his brash poetry — the three characters draw you in. Layered subtext and complexities, with great dialogue — I appreciate what Will is doing. It's a fascinating deep dive, well done. With heartbreaking moments and graceful humor, he asks us to consider the darkness and the light in each of us.