Recommended by Lavina Jadhwani

  • Lavina Jadhwani: Driving Lessens by Ally Lardner
    “

    a smart and sensitive period piece, told through the lens of two high school seniors. a great vehicle for two actors (see what I did there?)!

    a smart and sensitive period piece, told through the lens of two high school seniors. a great vehicle for two actors (see what I did there?)!

    ”
  • Lavina Jadhwani: Pretty Shahid by Omer Abbas Salem
    “

    Yet another smart and savvy piece from Omer Abbas Salem, whose provocative plays always make me laugh out loud. I got to watch an online workshop in 2021 and can't wait to see a full production -- this script gets better and better! As a rom com lover, I relished the tropes from Julia Roberts' films and how this play re-contextualizes them; the way Salem interweaves moments of high style with high stakes packs a satisfying punch. A sharp, political piece that provides juicy roles for a cast of seven.

    Yet another smart and savvy piece from Omer Abbas Salem, whose provocative plays always make me laugh out loud. I got to watch an online workshop in 2021 and can't wait to see a full production -- this script gets better and better! As a rom com lover, I relished the tropes from Julia Roberts' films and how this play re-contextualizes them; the way Salem interweaves moments of high style with high stakes packs a satisfying punch. A sharp, political piece that provides juicy roles for a cast of seven.

    ”
  • Lavina Jadhwani: Samsara by Lauren Yee
    “

    A whip-smart, imaginative, and poignant examination of what family can look like in the modern age. SAMSARA examines contemporary colonialism through the lens of commercial surrogacy -- I saw the premiere at Victory Gardens in 2015 and still find myself thinking about this play. Yee writes some of my favorite father figures, and the character of Craig is especially compelling. Also contains two unforgettable roles for South Asian actors!

    A whip-smart, imaginative, and poignant examination of what family can look like in the modern age. SAMSARA examines contemporary colonialism through the lens of commercial surrogacy -- I saw the premiere at Victory Gardens in 2015 and still find myself thinking about this play. Yee writes some of my favorite father figures, and the character of Craig is especially compelling. Also contains two unforgettable roles for South Asian actors!

    ”
  • Lavina Jadhwani: HYPE MAN: a break beat play by Idris Goodwin
    “

    HUGE fan of this play, which I got to see performed at Mixed Blood in Minneapolis. This language-forward piece is smart, provocative, and unforgettable; it's an incredible showcase of three actors and invites imaginative design and staging opportunities. Could see this play in theaters of all sizes/scales! Audiences that like political plays and heightened text will love this piece.

    HUGE fan of this play, which I got to see performed at Mixed Blood in Minneapolis. This language-forward piece is smart, provocative, and unforgettable; it's an incredible showcase of three actors and invites imaginative design and staging opportunities. Could see this play in theaters of all sizes/scales! Audiences that like political plays and heightened text will love this piece.

    ”
  • Lavina Jadhwani: PEACHY: a sorta chekhovian traumedy by Jasmine Sharma
    “

    HIGHly recommend this whip smart family traumedy, lightly inspired by The Cherry Orchard. Jasmine Sharma is a remarkable playwright whose voice and politics are clear and compelling in this 80(ish) minute play.

    HIGHly recommend this whip smart family traumedy, lightly inspired by The Cherry Orchard. Jasmine Sharma is a remarkable playwright whose voice and politics are clear and compelling in this 80(ish) minute play.

    ”
  • Lavina Jadhwani: Pride and Prejudice by Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin
    “

    This is my new favorite adaptation of this story! Kaela captures the essence of the much beloved characters in a way that feels so fresh and hip; the text really flies and all of our favorite Mr. Bennet-isms remain. Her stage directions are fire and the play is full of those classic Austen-ian sick burns. As a language-based director, I really appreciated how much focus was given to the text (and at times, the absence of text) in this adaptation. It's something I'd love to direct!

    This is my new favorite adaptation of this story! Kaela captures the essence of the much beloved characters in a way that feels so fresh and hip; the text really flies and all of our favorite Mr. Bennet-isms remain. Her stage directions are fire and the play is full of those classic Austen-ian sick burns. As a language-based director, I really appreciated how much focus was given to the text (and at times, the absence of text) in this adaptation. It's something I'd love to direct!

    ”