WORKLIGHTS: A Three-Part Reading Series at Ellen Stewart Theatre at La MaMa

WORKLIGHTS is a new play reading series curated and directed by Julian X and hosted by the American premiere production of The Pass at La MaMa. Taking place across three dark Tuesday nights at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, the series transforms the production’s existing theatrical space into a temporary home for new work in development.

The inaugural lineup features LAURE by Mya Ison on August 18, 3 SNEAKERZ ON THA’ LINE by Jaden Hatim Bridges on September 1, and LOUD: A GHETTO ASS RAP MUSICAL by Valentina Ma’Kaylah Johnson on September 15. Each reading invites audiences into the developmental process, giving playwrights the opportunity to hear their work aloud in the room while it is still becoming.

All readings begin at 7:00 PM and are free and open to the public. RSVPS are encouraged at https://partiful.com/e/lzoqesN4M8YlPsSzagYQ?c=_LbhlU4H.

WORKLIGHTS attendees will also receive a promotional code for 20% off tickets to The Pass.

Information about THE PASS can be found at www.thepassplay.com.

WORKLIGHTS LINEUP: August 18 at 7:00 PM LAURE by Mya Ison Directed by Julian X In response to Édouard Manet’s 1865 painting Olympia and in conversation with Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Laure places the Black woman positioned at the edge of Manet’s famous painting at the center of her own story, exploring agency, gaze, and the power of the erotic.

September 1 at 7:00 PM 3 SNEAKERZ ON THA’ LINE by Jaden Hatim Bridges Directed by Julian X Set in the Malibu Grove Projects in Orlando, Florida, 3 Sneakerz On Tha’ Line follows best friends Lucretia and Shenita as they attempt to build lives beyond the circumstances surrounding them while a clock counts down on their promise to escape within a year.

September 15 at 7:00 PM LOUD: A GHETTO ASS RAP MUSICAL by Valentina Ma’Kaylah Johnson Directed by Julian X Back home for the summer, Judah’s got bars, baggage, and a dream too loud to ignore. Set in Atlanta and stitched with original rap, dance, and raw honesty, LOUD: A Ghetto Ass Rap Musical is a new kind of coming-of-age musical from Valentina Johnson. Bold. Funny. Tender. And very, very real.