Young Playwrights’ Theater’s (YPT) new script development program, Young Playwrights in Progress (YPIP), will present the work of two talented young playwrights through virtual play readings followed by live Q&A on YPT’s YouTube Channel February 2 to 4, 2021. These are the first of two readings for the playwrights and a wonderful opportunity for attendees to see their work develop over time and as offer constructive feedback.
Young Playwrights in Progress began in May 2020 with a call for applications from young playwrights, ages 14 to 24, and early-career playwrights of any age who have an original script to be considered for a year-long development process. The goal of the program is to give young playwrights—especially those from historically oppressed communities—access to a supportive script development process to help them grow and learn in the craft of playwriting and theater.
Adanna Paul and Savannah S. Miller are the first two participants in YPT’s Young Playwrights in Progress program. Adanna Paul will present the latest draft of her original play MATAYANDA, the surreal tale of a baby doll that goes on a search for her owner: a young Black woman lost in her struggle to confront her traumatic past and ultimately establish her own identity. Actors Chinna Palmer and Morgan Charéce Hall will perform the reading, directed by Farah Lawal Harris. Savannah S. Miller will share her two-act play The House, in which two brothers of Puerto Rican American heritage must reckon with their family history and the selling of the family home, invoking a lesson in where we come from and how it can define us. Actors Felipe Cabezas, Omar Cruz, Ruth Elizabeth Diaz, Suzanne Edgar, and Jack Novak will perform, directed by Farah Lawal Harris.
This is a presentation of Young Playwrights’ Theater, an award-winning arts education organization and theater company in DC. YPT inspires young people to realize the power of their own voices through high-quality arts education programming and productions. Learn more at yptdc.org
MATAYANDA by Adanna Paul – Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 7pm ET
The House by Savannah S. Miller – Act I: Wednesday, February, at 7pm ET; Act II: Thursday, February 4, at 7pm EST
Each reading, along with a live post-show Q&A, will be presented on YPT’s YouTube channel. Those who reserve free tickets will receive detailed instructions on how to attend. Tickets can be reserved online.
