Recommended by Alyssa Haddad-Chin

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    Girl: A Gender Expression is urgent, alive, honest, vulnerable, untidy, and a masterpiece. Why every theater company in America isn't programming this play is beyond me (I know why). When it feels like all hope is lost for contemporary plays that exist in this moment with any shred of urgency, this piece expresses truthful rage and it feels almost like relief. But Brain is very clear, it's not the time for relief, it's time to get to work. I hope to have the opportunity to see it staged one day.

    Girl: A Gender Expression is urgent, alive, honest, vulnerable, untidy, and a masterpiece. Why every theater company in America isn't programming this play is beyond me (I know why). When it feels like all hope is lost for contemporary plays that exist in this moment with any shred of urgency, this piece expresses truthful rage and it feels almost like relief. But Brain is very clear, it's not the time for relief, it's time to get to work. I hope to have the opportunity to see it staged one day.

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    Goatman is a funny, absurd, and poignant exploration of loss and grief, and how to grapple with the finality of a challenging and harmful parental relationship. I was struck by the intentionally crafted messiness of this journey, a chaos that is very real and one of life's great mysteries. Jarnagin balances all this with humor and imagination.

    Goatman is a funny, absurd, and poignant exploration of loss and grief, and how to grapple with the finality of a challenging and harmful parental relationship. I was struck by the intentionally crafted messiness of this journey, a chaos that is very real and one of life's great mysteries. Jarnagin balances all this with humor and imagination.

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    As an Arab-American, this is the type of play I read the synopsis of and cringe. There are no shortage of plays written about Palestine from non-Palestinians. I'm so grateful that I didn't stop there. It's clear that Goldman-Sherman is writing this play with lived experience, understanding, and great care. Each character is so clear, the story seemingly easily weaving between the heartwarming and the heartbreaking, and the price of colonialism striking. What is truly stunning in this piece is the way Goldman-Sherman shows the ways governments pit people's desire for safety and belonging...

    As an Arab-American, this is the type of play I read the synopsis of and cringe. There are no shortage of plays written about Palestine from non-Palestinians. I'm so grateful that I didn't stop there. It's clear that Goldman-Sherman is writing this play with lived experience, understanding, and great care. Each character is so clear, the story seemingly easily weaving between the heartwarming and the heartbreaking, and the price of colonialism striking. What is truly stunning in this piece is the way Goldman-Sherman shows the ways governments pit people's desire for safety and belonging against one another for power. Bravo!

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  • A truly fantastic read! A play that eases you in with its humor while sharing a message that needs to be heard. Would love to see it staged!

    A truly fantastic read! A play that eases you in with its humor while sharing a message that needs to be heard. Would love to see it staged!

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    This was the feminist and queer retelling of the classic Adam and Eve story I never knew I needed until now. Just when you think you know exactly what's happening the play pivots to show you another angle. Forest's masterful language and characterization provides the play with the fantastical tone needed to pull this large task in a 15 minute play. A great piece I'd love to see produced!

    This was the feminist and queer retelling of the classic Adam and Eve story I never knew I needed until now. Just when you think you know exactly what's happening the play pivots to show you another angle. Forest's masterful language and characterization provides the play with the fantastical tone needed to pull this large task in a 15 minute play. A great piece I'd love to see produced!

  • Alyssa Haddad-Chin: The Eleventh Star by Brynn Hambley
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    The Eleventh Star is a beautifully written play that boldly examines the female experience while straddling time and place and juggling multiple important and difficult themes. It's such a thrill to see authentic femme, queer, and disabled characters written with such authenticity and care. I hope to see it on a stage soon, preferably in the round, as is intended by Hambley.

    The Eleventh Star is a beautifully written play that boldly examines the female experience while straddling time and place and juggling multiple important and difficult themes. It's such a thrill to see authentic femme, queer, and disabled characters written with such authenticity and care. I hope to see it on a stage soon, preferably in the round, as is intended by Hambley.

    ”
  • Alyssa Haddad-Chin: Cycle Play by Megan Tabaque
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    As a Peloton enthusiast, this play spoke to my soul. Cycle Play is a hilarious, messy (in the best way), and dark play that centers two female characters that wield their trauma into power...even when they take it too far. The power shifts throughout the play are endlessly fascinating and keep the reader on their toes. I love this piece!

    As a Peloton enthusiast, this play spoke to my soul. Cycle Play is a hilarious, messy (in the best way), and dark play that centers two female characters that wield their trauma into power...even when they take it too far. The power shifts throughout the play are endlessly fascinating and keep the reader on their toes. I love this piece!

    ”
  • Alyssa Haddad-Chin: BLOOD/SWEAT/TEARS by Ali Keller
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    The task that Ali has set for herself, to write a horror movie, inside of a musical, inside of a play, is a tall order. But Blood/Sweat/Tears is an extremely well written piece that seamlessly weaves the 3 mediums. The characters are all well developed and the struggles the female characters face are true to life. I love this movie/musical/play!

    The task that Ali has set for herself, to write a horror movie, inside of a musical, inside of a play, is a tall order. But Blood/Sweat/Tears is an extremely well written piece that seamlessly weaves the 3 mediums. The characters are all well developed and the struggles the female characters face are true to life. I love this movie/musical/play!

    ”
  • Alyssa Haddad-Chin: TELL ME I'M GORGEOUS AT THE END OF THE WORLD, The Last Gay Play by Aaron Coleman
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    I love this play! The hierarchy of race in the gay community is a topic that needs to be more widely discussed in a theatre format, and love that Aaron manages to do so with a perfect mix of funny, dark, meaningful, and devastating writing.

    I love this play! The hierarchy of race in the gay community is a topic that needs to be more widely discussed in a theatre format, and love that Aaron manages to do so with a perfect mix of funny, dark, meaningful, and devastating writing.

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  • Alyssa Haddad-Chin: You Have To Promise by Audrey Lang
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    A beautifully written, stunning and honest depiction of coming of age and love. I was absolutely captivated through the entire read.

    A beautifully written, stunning and honest depiction of coming of age and love. I was absolutely captivated through the entire read.

    ”