The La Jolla Playhouse is gearing up for a fresh chapter in its DNA New Work Series, marking the first time the series will be overseen by a new artistic director, Jessica Stone. This annual event, now in its 13th year, has become a platform for nurturing emerging talent and developing new works.
What makes this year's series particularly intriguing is the shift in leadership and the potential impact it could have on the creative process. Stone, a two-time Tony Award nominee, has taken the reins from Christopher Ashley, who has left to pursue a new role in New York.
The DNA of the Series
The DNA New Work Series is an initiative that provides a unique space for playwrights and artists to develop their craft. Unlike traditional theater productions, the series focuses on intimate readings, with actors delivering performances directly from the script, devoid of elaborate sets or costumes.
This stripped-down approach allows for a raw and vulnerable exploration of new works, offering both the audience and the creators an opportunity to engage with the creative process at its earliest stages. As Stone puts it, it's a chance for writers to "lean on each other" and "crack new codes of storytelling."
Curating the Series
Gabriel Greene, the director of artistic development at the playhouse, curates and produces the DNA New Work Series. Greene's philosophy is threefold: to match resources with developing projects, foster relationships with artists, and involve audiences deeply in the play-making process.
Greene emphasizes the importance of providing a platform for new plays to evolve beyond the reading stage, avoiding what he calls "development hell." He explains, "A lot of people want to do readings, but there are fewer opportunities to actually produce them."
Each year, the playhouse receives around 500 project submissions, and Greene carefully selects a handful for development. This year's selections explore a range of themes, from friendship and loneliness to reproductive issues and workplace conflicts.
A New Perspective
The change in artistic direction brings a fresh perspective to the series. Stone's enthusiasm for the playhouse's role in developing new plays and musicals is evident, and she aims to expand the commitment to bring even more artists into the fold.
Greene, too, is excited about the new leadership, praising Stone's eagerness to continue the playhouse's legacy of supporting emerging talent.
Impact and Legacy
The DNA New Work Series has already made a significant impact on the theater scene, with past productions like "All the Men Who've Frightened Me" and "The Who & The What" going on to greater success. This year's lineup promises to continue that tradition, with plays like "Rockville" and "Mother's Day" offering a glimpse into the minds of talented writers.
As the series evolves under Stone's direction, it will be fascinating to see how her vision shapes the future of new works at the La Jolla Playhouse.
Conclusion
The DNA New Work Series is more than just a platform for new plays; it's a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for growth in the theater industry. With a new artistic director at the helm, the series is poised to continue pushing boundaries and supporting the next generation of playwrights.
Personally, I think it's an exciting time for theater enthusiasts and a reminder of the importance of nurturing artistic talent.
