KCRep Announces Next Three Readings in Popular Monday Night Playwright Series

Marissa Wolf, Director of New Works at Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep), today announced the next three play readings in the organization's popular 2017/2018 Monday Night Playwright Series. These free public readings take place on the UMKC campus at the Spencer Theatre Donor Lounge.

The three play readings just announced are:

Sept 18

The Misdirection of Mr. J's Chil'ren by Jennifer Baker - directed by Sidonie Garrett

Investigating the mystery of her grandfather's disappearance, a young Black woman confronts a white man about their families' buried history. With a fresh voice in the Kansas City scene, Baker offers a powerful story of loss and redemption.

Oct 16

FRIDA...A Self Portrait by Vanessa Severo - directed by Heidi Van

Experience an exhilarating ride into the world of artist Frida Kahlo's passionate, tumultuous life. KCRep's Fox Fellowship Resident Actor, Vanessa Severo, brings a raw, breathtaking immediacy to the portrait of this luminary artist.

Nov 6

Laid to Rest by Donnetta Lavinia Grays - director to be announced

When his fatal shooting stirs a community into fevered protest, Vanda's son Clarence becomes yet another hashtag in the ongoing fight against police brutality. Grays takes us into a riveting world of a community's response to violence and a mother's journey of activism and healing.

Through OriginKC, KCRep provides playwrights the artistic resources they need to develop new, innovative plays of the highest artistic merit. In 2015-16, the first year of the OriginKC: New Works Festival, KCRep staged the world premiere of Rinne Groff's FIRE IN DREAMLAND, a production which is being transferred to New York's famed Public Theatre in the summer of 2018 with KCRep's Marissa Wolf taking the helm as director.

Information on the remaining Monday Night Playwright Series dates - Dec 11, Jan 8, Feb 19, March 12, and April 9 will be announced soon. For more information about all New Works happenings at KCRep, visit the website at http://kcrep.org/new-works-201718.