Recommended by Maximillian Gill

Yet again Sickles looks forward with his work. Although the illness is not explicitly named, the protagonist of the play is suffering from the long-term effects of a condition that we cannot help but associate with Covid. The play fully explores a survivor's attempt to re-negotiate his place in the world, an ordeal so many of us will be undergoing. There is an absolute tour-de-force in the center of this play that captures the humor, anxiety, and sheer pathos of a character's feelings in the midst of less-than-satisfying sex. A thoroughly compelling piece, and I look forward to future drafts.

So much is packed into this compact play, yet it never seems overstuffed. Rather, Garcia has all of the elements working together and has us thinking about identity, the notion of home, and the barriers we put up within ourselves and against others. Though it is set in a fictional place the correspondences with immigration and refugee debates taking place all over the world resonant powerfully. Though epic in scope, the piece focuses on five characters and uses simple staging to achieve wonderful moments of pure theatre. A truly incredible work from Garcia.

The sense of time and place in this vibrant and sobering musical are palpable and obviously based on solid research. Though the grueling journey experienced by the characters in this piece is specific to the era, it is extremely relevant to the present moment as a reminder of the difficult journeys so many immigrants take all over the world. Though it is clear-eyed about the conditions of the time, it is never overly grim and is constantly enlivened when the characters give up their souls to song, relating their hopes and fears. A stunning musical by Wagner.

The only regret I have after reading this is I didn't see it staged first, because I can just imagine how hilarious it would be in a live version. Like the best comic pieces, it takes a simple and brilliant premise and explores it for every comic angle. At a brisk ten minutes, the play jumps from one great gag to another, keeping us constantly hooked until the final capper. I've read a few of McBurnette-Andronicos's more dramatic pieces; after this one I'm convinced this playwright could write much anything and do it well.

The scale of battle field casualties during the Great War is well known, but what is rarely remembered is the effect that the destruction of a generation had on the home front, particularly the women. A phrase in this play is simply gut-wrenching: "One lone girl in ten after the war will find a husband." It's just one of the many ways the piece brings home the human cost of conflict and the specific challenges for women. All of it is seen through the lens of time, allowing both psychological distance and penetrating insight. A tightly written, poignant play.

There is a meta moment in this play that I absolutely love when the script acknowledges the absurdity of young people dropping in on each other in person to drop big news instead of texting. It encapsulates the kind of wry wit that Feriend employs to full effect throughout this piece. The narrative plays with the tropes of the classic rom-com, right down to the alternatively supportive/unhelpful friends, but it ultimately lands in a more meaningful place that acknowledges the traps we put on ourselves with our expectations of love. A fun and thoughtful read.

A thoroughly charming short piece. I love when solid writing and strong character turn what seems like a low-stakes situation into something deeply meaningful. I can see audiences old and young connecting to this play as the human experiences depicted here are universal. At the end, our protagonist is rewarded for going the extra mile to reach out to someone else. I can't think of a sweeter or more powerful conclusion.

A short piece that sneaks up on you and manages to pack in layers of meaning in just a few pages. I love how it begins as a wryly observed portrait of a specific family that nevertheless rings true for most of our families (because we all have an Aunt Ruthie). And then the piece subtly changes to something different, a penetrating glimpse not only of prejudices but also of the barriers we put up against other people, even those we love. An assured piece of writing by Dwoskin that absolutely needs to be produced.

I have always found that the best ghost stories are connected to human psychology in all its complexity and honesty. This play hits that mark in the best ways. Gatton's wonderful work charts the landscape of human grief and the haunting nature of loss in a way that feels entirely organic and true. Sharply written, poignant monologues anchor the characters' journey. A series of short anecdotes are both enjoyable on their own and thematically relevant to the main narrative. Around the middle mark a character tells a story that is simply jaw dropping. Impressive work by Gatton.

A witty and timely spin on a fable that has at its core a deeply humanist and individualistic philosophy. Mabey's writing is so propulsive and fun that the themes sneak up on you and leave you thinking after the piece's close even as you rejoice in the Emperor's journey. I enjoyed this piece in an online format and think it would be fascinating if done live.