2022 DNA New Work Series

From the La Jolla Playhouse:
As part of the Playhouse’s commitment to being a home for artists to develop new plays and musicals, Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley created the DNA New Work Series in 2013.

DNA offers playwrights and directors the opportunity to develop a script by providing rehearsal time, space and resources, culminating in public readings. This process gives audiences a closer look at the play development process, while allowing the Playhouse to develop work and foster relationships with both established and up-and-coming playwrights.

All DNA readings are general admission seating and take place in the Rao and Padma Makineni Play Development Center (PDC). FREE, reservations required.

"The Loyal Opposition"
La Jolla Playhouse Commission
By Keith Bunin
Directed by Christopher Ashley

Thursday, December 1 and Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 pm

Lee, Milo and Jesse met in college and have been crashing into and out of each other’s lives ever since. When Lee finally acts on her dream of opening a restaurant, she re-assembles the group to prepare a grand first meal on a fateful March night. Funny, open-hearted and deeply moving, The Loyal Opposition charts the gravitational pull of our friends and our pasts amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the present.

"Manny and the Wise Queens"
La Jolla Playhouse Commission
By Idris Goodwin
Directed by Jacole Kitchen

Friday, December 2 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 4 at 2:00 pm

In the small town of Bethlehem in December, a bright star draws distant visitors bearing gifts to usher in a new era. Only this is 2020, and according to Manny, a depressed 18 year old recent high school graduate, the “bright star” is just two planets close together. Manny has locked himself away in his family’s attic to escape whatever holiday cheer remains in his quarantined town – until the sudden arrival of two wise queens provides a potential key to Manny’s deliverance. Idris Goodwin’s new comedy is a celebration of home, hip-hop and the unexpected gifts we share.

"Derecho"
By Noelle Viñas
Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg

Thursday, December 8 and Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 pm

Hoping to join the wave of women of color elected for public office, Eugenia Silva fights to bring an old friend onto her primary campaign. As a storm brews, tensions between her ambitions and her sister Mercedes begin overshadowing the need to reconnect with her roots and family. As the past manifests and interrupts the present, the sisters must confront how traditional Latino values conflict with an ever-changing American definition of success.

"The Agency"
By Lia Romeo
Directed by Pesha Rudnick

Friday, December 9 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 pm

Ani has always dreamed of becoming an actress, but she’s not getting cast and she’s almost out of money. So she takes a job at a “rental agency,” where lonely clients can hire actors to serve as surrogate friends or loved ones. It seems like the perfect gig – it pays well, she’s good at the work and she’s helping people feel better. But what will it mean for her real-life relationships? Lia Romeo’s new comedy examines a world where we can buy whatever we want – if we’re willing to pay the price.

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