Playwrights Realm to Present Four New Plays at INK'D, Beg. 5/13

The Playwrights Realm <playwrightsrealm.org>, under the leadership of Artistic Director Katherine Kovner and Producing Director Renee Blinkwolt, will present INK'D, a four-play series that showcases the 2012-13 class of Writing Fellows and their hot-off-the-presses plays from Monday, May 13, through Thursday, May 16, at The Studio Theatre in The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street.

The INK'D readings begin at 7:00pm, and are immediately followed by a reception. The presentations are free of charge, but reservations must be made: online at playwrightsrealm.org, by email at kweber@playwrightsrealm.org or by calling 212.355.3089.

"The Writing Fellows program is at the heart of what we do­helping writers write," said Ms. Kovner, founder of Playwrights Realm. "It's been a pleasure getting to work closely over the past year with this talented group of playwrights and I'm excited to share their wonderful plays with our audience."

The 2012-13 Writing Fellows class includes Chad Beckim, Mfoniso Udofia, Don Nguyen, and Theresa Giacopasi. INK'D is the culmination of the Writing Fellows' developmental process, and this year will include:

The Arrival by Chad Beckim, directed by Shelly Butler
Monday, May 13, at 7:00pm
Buck and Addie are expecting any day now, and their tiny Brooklyn brownstone barely fits the two of them. But when Buck's father shows up unannounced­with nowhere else to go and a terrible secret in tow­space quickly becomes the least of their worries.

Sojouners by Mfoniso Udofia, directed by Victor Maog
Tuesday, May 14, at 7:00pm
Abasiama came to America with high hopes­for her arranged marriage and her future­intent on earning a degree and returning to Nigeria. But when her husband is seduced by America, she must choose between the Nigerian or the American Dream.

Sound by Don Nguyen, directed by Ken Rus Schmoll
Wednesday, May 15, at 7:00pm
George, a deaf fisherman, and his ex-wife battle over their daughter's desire to get the cochlear implant that will make her hearing like her mother. Meanwhile, a hundred and thirty years earlier, Alexander Graham Bell works to find the cure for deafness. Sound is an exploration into hearing and deaf cultures and the ongoing struggle for one's identity in the space between both worlds.

The Monster Play by Theresa Giacopasi, directed by Sarah Cameron Sunde
Thursday, May 16, at 7:00pm
JoJo is too smart for his classmates, his mother. and his own good. So naturally when Romy­the monster under his bed­attacks, what can he do but follow her? A sweet, sad, and funny play about one's darkest fears, closest friendships, and how each often gets in the way of the other.

Each year, four early-career playwrights receive nine months of resources, workshops and feedback designed to help each Fellow reach their professional and artistic goals. Over the course of the season, Fellows develop a single new play and take it from draft-form to production-ready state. Monthly group meetings provide a collaborative, energizing setting for writers to share and refine their work; individual meetings with The Playwrights Realm's artistic director and staff support each writer's specific artistic process; and work with a director and cast during two workshops allow writers to see their work come to life. Professional development resources are also an integral part of the program and are tailored to the Writing Fellows, providing them the information and experiences they decide are most helpful. Mentor-opportunities, meet-and-greets and professional workshops are designed to shed light on the sometimes-shadowy business of theater and empower the Fellows to be active, informed participants in their own writing careers. The Writing Fellow's season culminates in a public reading of his or her fellowship play as part of INK'D.

Applications for the 2013-14 Writing Fellows class are currently being accepted, through May 3. Full details on the Writing Fellows program and its criteria and the application to apply can be found at www.playwrightsrealm.org/programs/writing-fellows/apply.