World Premiere of PRECARIOUS Will Come to Mosaic Theater Company
Performances run June 4 - 28, 2026.
Mosaic Theater Company will present the world premiere of Precarious, a new comedy by Steinberg Award-winner Steph Del Rosso. Directed by Jaki Bradley^, performances run June 4 - 28, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The press opening for Precarious is scheduled for Monday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m. Members of the media are invited to attend this performance, or any performance thereafter.
Offering reflections on the climate crisis and generational divides, Precarious stars the acclaimed Kimberly Schraf* as recently retired Vi, who is ready to chart a new path forward. But her daughter Tillie, portrayed by Helen Hayes winner Zoe Walpole*, and a summer heatwave seemingly stand in her way. Jonathan Del Palmer* rounds out the cast as Tillie's boyfriend Drew as the production navigates the complexity of familial relationships and what we choose to leave behind in a world transformed by climate change.
“I first encountered Steph Del Rosso's work almost a decade ago when she was a Master's student at UCSD and became an instant fan of her artistry, wit, and craft. She has gone on to build an impressive, growing canon of plays developed and produced around the country which makes this world premiere production especially poignant for me and impactful for Mosaic as we offer this celebrated writer her DC debut," said Reginald L. Douglas, Artistic Director of Mosaic Theater. “Precarious is a play that reflects upon our ongoing climate crisis in a human and hilarious way as we watch two women from different generations and with different points of view find common ground. New work that sparks inspiring dialogue in the face of difference is at the core of Mosaic's mission, making Precarious a wonderful culminating production for our 25-26 season. I can't wait for audiences to join us this summer for this fresh and thoughtful new comedy about the joy and fear of starting a new chapter at any age.”
“I couldn't be more thrilled to premiere Precarious at Mosaic — which has been such a champion of me and my work — and with Jaki Bradley, one of my dear friends and a brilliant collaborator,” remarked Steph Del Rosso. “I wrote the first draft of this play at an artist residency called Headlands, in the middle of a national recreation area just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. I thought a lot about the beauty of the landscape and how much it might change in years to come — from the sea levels to the habitats. I thought about what we pass on to future generations, including the traits and habits (good and bad) that get carried from mother to daughter. And about what (and who) gets lost. There is so much attention on the milestones of youth, but what about the journeys of women over 70, facing a different kind of self-discovery? I wanted to combine these preoccupations and also create a meaty role for an older actress. I can't wait to share it all with the DC community.”
In December 2024, Mosaic Theater hosted a developmental workshop and reading of Precarious as part of its Community Engaged Theater Fund. This fund supports the development of new work that brings artists and community members together in the creative process and furthers conversations on social justice, racial diversity, and the importance of community. Partner organizations working on the front lines of the themes presented in the play — including local environmental organizations EmpowerDC, The GW Climate Health Institute, The Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center for Climate Integrity at Howard University, and WE ACT - For Environmental Justice — attended that reading and offered insightful feedback that has helped shape the script towards this premiere production.
Director Jaki Bradley stated, “I've loved Steph's play since the moment I read it. As a director, I'm always drawn to plays that have a singular voice, and Precarious is just that. Steph has the rare ability as a writer to address issues we all care about—issues as big as motherhood and environmentalism—in a way that doesn't feel didactic at all, and instead is filled with humor, humanity, and heart. I recognize myself in this play, and I think it'll speak to anyone who is trying to figure out how to live an ethical life in the modern era. I'm thrilled to be directing this world premiere production and feel like Mosaic is the perfect home for Precarious.”
The creative and production team for Precarious includes Misha Kachman** (Scenic Designer); Jeannette Christensen** (Costume Designer); Minjoo Kim** (Lighting Designer); Kenny Neal (Sound Designer); Aoife Creighton (Props Designer); Shayna O'Neill* (Production Stage Manager); Isabella Tapia (Assistant Stage Manager); and Sierra Young (Intimacy and Violence Director).
Continuing Mosaic's commitment to provide deeper engagement with themes of its programming through its Reflection Series, the following events will take place during Precarious' engagement:
Artist Talkback with Stephanie Del Rosso
June 6, 2026 at 7:30 pm | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Curious about what went into the making of Precarious? Come join playwright Stephanie Del Rosso to hear about the process behind the production and her artistic practice.
Intergenerational Matinees
June 11 and 18, 2026 at 11 am | Atlas Performing Arts Center
After watching Precarious together, middle and high school students and seniors will engage in a post-show conversation with Mosaic's artists and one another.
It's Too-Hot Girl Summer: A Climate Conversation
June 12, 2026 at 7:30 pm | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Precarious depicts climate change's impact on every part of our lives — from large scale events to our most intimate relationships. Join Mosaic alongside local climate workers and experts to dive into what a warming climate might mean for our city and for our lives within it.
Aging and Isolation
June 14, 2026 at 7:30 pm | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Retirement brings major life changes: among them, an increased feeling of loneliness as long-time homes are moved away from, partners pass, and more. Precarious shows Violet in the midst of a loneliness crisis brought on by this new era of life. Join some of Mosaic's long-term senior support partners, including Seabury Resources for Aging, to dive into the whys behind this senior loneliness crisis and how we can best support these communities.
Open Captioned Performance
June 27, 2026 at 7:30 pm | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Interpreted Artist Talkback with the Cast of Precarious
June 28, 2026 at 3:00 pm | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Curious about what went into the making of Precarious? Come join the cast to learn more about the making of the show and their unique connections to the work. This performance is open captioned and the talkback following is ASL interpreted.
Videos