Recommended by Rachel Bykowski

I love self-awareness and plays/playwrights that poke fun at themselves and structure while still delivering a concise message. This is almost a play-within-a play: you watch as a young child drops some serious knowledge about the age-old excuses for not wanting to vote, but you are also watching the playwright putting on the play through photos of toys. I think this would be great, not only for an actor, but for a director to dive into as well.

I felt this play in my heart. Wyndham demonstrates control over the dynamic ebb and flow of the script. Building you up with a lighthearted jaunt through a mall to go shoe shopping for back to school, only to let a wave crash into you as you realize the young child's reasoning for the shoe they want. Suddenly, innocence is lost in a single moment.

A sweet, short play about navigating the chaos that comes with the holidays and family gatherings. A great observation about how people often feel the need to pry into other people's business, the importance of privacy, and controlling the narrative.

A honest, comedic take on the frustrations of professional jealousy. Hayet creates two characters that exist in every human being: the Jen Harper we ARE, and the Jen Harper we WANT TO BE. It's a charming play that ends with the message on the importance of being genuine and honest with yourself.

Does a real "Wonder Woman" exist? Once A Spy proudly proclaims, YES! Bublitz shines a light on a little known hero during World War II, Nancy Wake. However, Bublitz does not shy away from making Nancy a truly dimensional character: she is vulnerable and strong; neither ALL good or ALL bad. Nancy is a human being with a courageous spirit.
As a 20% Theatre Company Chicago member, we are so excited to be presenting this play as part of our DarkRoom New Play Development Series. Bublitz creates an exciting play that reminds us that women are more than one thing

A play that honestly begins to discuss the social, racial, and economical questions that come with adoption. These are not easy questions, nor are the answers. But in this play, while the arguments are heated and tensions rise, the children are not forgotten.

Tanuja once again shows an adventurous grasp of theatricality. A tumultuous mother/child relationship is literally depicted with throwing knives at the dinner table. Powerful visuals make this play a true dramatic adventure for the stage.

Jagernauth demonstrates, even in the early stages of develop with this play, a theatrical approach to discussing a very difficult question: When faced with death, how can we continue to live? A play that leads with a clear message: FUCK CANCER! Self-care and do what makes you happy to live life at its fullest.

This play reminded me of Frayn's Copenhagen set in the comic book genre. A play that speaks to the battle between artistic integrity and corporate American greed. Perhaps, like Bruce Wayne, we are all trapped in the moment our lives changed forever.

Denim Doves clearly displays Adrienne Dawes' ability to conquer writing sci-fi/dystopian worlds. Not only is this play a director/designer's dream, it also showcases multidimensional roles for women and non-binary characters from all races and ages 20-50.