Recommended by Jordan Elizabeth

Absolutely gut-wrenching, and necessary. A deep exploration into the rituals of grief -- how we say goodbye, how we begin to heal. The image of laying out Travis' clothing on the bed is theatrically beautiful, and also so human. Holly's fear that if she begins to scream, she'll never be able to stop... how many mothers in this country are thinking the same thing? And how many more will feel that way in the future before things change? A call to action and a call to listen to the voices of the mothers who have lost their babies to violence.

Wow. This play hurts -- it's beautiful and fierce and brave. The visual of Saleem putting on his mother's robe to become a warrior is simple but so rich. And Sabina's attempts to give her son a male role-model by encouraging him to engage in corporate prayer at Mosque is, again, such a simple but profound image: a mother choosing peace and ritual to strengthen her son, and a son choosing his mother's robe to make himself feel strong. A really brilliant short play.

DELIVERY is a beautiful and heart-breaking exploration of the lives of three students whose worlds have been touched by police violence. Robinson has gifted us with the opportunity to spend some time with three incredible, funny, talented, goofy young artists -- it hurts when it's over.

This play is a punch in the gut. Deep, rich characters and lovely musical rhythms make this play shine. A story about sacrifice and memory that is specific to these characters and their situation while being simultaneously universal.

This play was lovely and extremely timely. I'm grateful to have spent some time with these characters, particularly Yvette and Nina -- it feels like a rare treat when you read a play with characters you wish you could interact with in life. A beautiful exploration of deep love and mutual respect between a mother and daughter who are navigating the waters of their identity and place in history. And the ending moment is so magnificently intimate, it felt like eavesdropping on someone else's treasured memory. I wish I could spend more time with these people.

How fitting that I came across this play on what should have been Trayvon Martin's 23rd birthday. I DON'T WANT TO BE took my breath away -- both with its emotional intensity and with the depth of its poetry. The narrative image of Nana quilting with images of the deceased is heartbreaking and hopeful. Theatrical, lyrical, honest, heart-rending. This beautiful play is profoundly good.

Wow. This adaptation of a classic story blew me away. Pia Wilson beautifully reveals the history of these characters in carefully-placed, conversational ways -- this play is taut, fine-tuned, razor-sharp. The transitions would be an exciting project for scene and lighting designers; and these characters are so deep and precise, they would be a joy for actors. This would be a stunning play to see staged. Totally gorgeous. I can't wait to encounter more of Wilson's work.

So fun, so sweet. A quick peek into the inner worlds of two men who are ashamed of the media they enjoy consuming, this short play layers some serious material with a funny situation in a really lovely way. A treat for adult Harry Potter fans and those who love them.

"We find ourselves wondering, [...] If they weren't here, would we be better people?" ---- A chilling, haunting close look at what humans are capable of doing to Others, from exoticizing them to "reprogramming" them to, ultimately, destroying them. This is the power of science fiction: it casts light on the darkest corners of our human nature. Cozzola's adaptation of Urbanski's short story is breathtaking -- grand theatricality that would work as well in a no-set black box production or with elaborate sets and costuming. WHEN THEY CAME is a truly special work of theatre that will stick with you.

Ah! This play is so spooky and upsetting and unsettling and terrific. Ultimately, this is a play about power -- which, in my mind, is one of the most frightening motivators of all. Cassidy has a deft hand with these characters, slowly unveiling different layers of the twisted, dark underbelly of these relationships.