Who: Trip Cullman, Diep Tran, Jeremy Tiang, Catherine Coray, more
What: PlayClub live discussion
Where: Zoom meeting (link sent to participants)
When: Thursdays at 5:00, free but RSVP required (space is very limited)
Why: During the coronavirus crisis and shutdown, Obie-winning, New York City-based Play Company, aka PlayCo, has started #Playfrom6FeetAway, a super-cool initiative in which a limited number of participants read a play in advance, then have a live online discussion hosted by a special guest. It might not be a replacement for the experience of live theater, but it is a great way to keep creators and play lovers connected. The series kicked off on April 23 with Nina Raine’s Consent, hosted by director Trip Cullman. On April 30, journalist Diep Tran will lead an examination of Young Jean Lee’s We’re Gonna Die, a play that I’ve seen twice, most recently in a rousing production at Second Stage. The program continues May 7 with Wei Yu-Chia’s A Fable for Now, hosted by the play’s translator, Jeremy Tiang, and May 14 with Sylvia Khoury’s Selling Kabul (the New York premiere was scheduled to begin previews March 27 at Playwrights Horizons), moderated by NYU Arts professor Catherine Coray of the Lark Play Development Center US/Middle East Playwright Exchange. The Zoom rooms are limited to a mere ten people, so keep watching PlayCo for further announcements and to snatch a coveted spot.