Recommended by Bethany Dickens Assaf

Theatrical and wickedly exciting, Prillaman's "Vignettes for an Idol Beachfront" allows a lot of interpretation (and FUN) for the production. Smart references to Greek mythology abound; I particularly appreciated the small touches (i.e. Antigone recalling her life circumstances with the qualifier "accounts vary"...that got me :)). I was also excited to see this foundation bloom into thematic resonance with classical themes (roles of the gods in our lives, the tyranny of fate), all with a distinctive voice and high style. One of those plays you can't wait to share and discuss and maybe one day be a part of!

A truly delightful play with just the most wonderful ending that I didn't see coming, but was logical, affirming, and possibly quite feminist! I love that Levine can bring together a high-concept piece so quickly, getting the audience into the action as soon as possible. The character of Howard is so lovely and his ending so well-deserved. Bravo!

"Cyrano on the Moon" is a piece of tremendous atmospherics and erudition from Cross, whose clear mastery of and passion for the original material allows her to meditate on the characters in refreshing ways. I was really taken with the thread of re-imagined histories: in our own hearts, it's easy to retread over what might have been once we recognize the defining moments in our life for what they were. I enjoyed the play's melting of the lines between past and present, fact and storytelling, all of which serve the play's central themes of memory and agency.

Clever, lovely, and heartbreaking, “Pulse” is a remarkable short play: one that takes you through a historical journey without ever feeling over-explained or rushed. In fact, quite the opposite is true: Martin, Jocelyn, and Antony are lived-in, relatable characters even though they represent a remarkable moment in history. I was especially struck by the cleverness and natural warmth of the dialogue between the three. Recommended for any short play festival!

A deeply-felt work about the epidemic of school violence, “Joan’s Arc” manages to be beautifully personal and introspective, while also frank and uncompromising in its message. Hageman is incredibly skilled at crafting high school-aged characters that feel real and I was particularly impressed with how essential each one was to the themes and the story and the play’s central questions. A necessarily raw but hopeful piece on grief, memory, and the loss of innocence; one of the best I’ve read about the topic.

A deliciously clever play - I was immediately drawn in by the premise and the dry directness of the dialogue. The piece also plays lightly on themes of modern self-absorption and anti-institutionalism, remaining warm and upbeat while also giving us a great deal to think about. There are so many terrific beats here (including coinage, military takeovers, treaties) and the humor moves at a brisk pace. Would recommend to any short play festival, will be sure to get a lot of laughs!

Joyously witty: I cannot say enough about the loveliness and authenticity of this play’s central trio of characters (though I was most drawn personally to Julia and her charming cluelessness!). In addition to providing phenomenal comedic roles for the actors, I appreciated Mucci’s honesty in exploring modern dating from multiple perspectives, none of which have all the answers. The concept of the monitor was fun and well-utilized, making visible the pressure social media and dating apps bring to relationships. A real pleasure to read!

A completely engrossing one-woman show that blends an overlooked part of history with wit, verve, and emotional honesty: Sapio is certainly a gifted storyteller with an engaging style. The character of Masha comes through beautifully through this historical journey - she would be a treat for any actor to play. I was particularly struck by how much information she and the play conveyed without ever feeling dry or overly expositional. A high quality read from start to finish, and I hope to see it produced very soon.

A riveting portrayal of depression, “She’s Not There” is thoughtful and broadly meaningful, while also uncompromising in it’s exploration of one specific tragedy. We as the audience are left - along with the character of Rob, in a stunning ending - with an imprint of a life struggling to transcend circumstance (and potentially succeeding - the ending is beautifully complex and can lead to a variety of theories that will no doubt be discussed on the drive home). In addition, the play features some fine and lovely dialogue. A gripping, thought-provoking work.

Like one of its most striking visual images - a silent dance between two people the audience has never seen together before - “Beyond Sex” is graceful, poignant, and also one of the most emotionally intelligent plays I’ve read in some time. I was particularly taken with the device of keeping the four characters from meeting onstage until the final moments: this evoked questions of what makes a relationship (a la the plays title) and the gaps we leave in the world; in addition, it accentuates the play’s surprising and bittersweet losses. A naturalistic, aching meditation on love.