Raja Feather Kelly, Jaclyn Backhaus, and Heather Christian are latest to participate in Playwrights Horizons’ free, virtual master classes
Who: Jaclyn Backhaus, Heather Christian
What: Playwrights Horizons virtual master classes
Where: Playwrights Horizons YouTube channel
When: Monday, November 9 & 16, free with RSVP (donations accepted), 7:00
Why: On October 26, Playwrights Horizons continued its virtual series, “Perspectives on Playwriting: Master Classes,” with a livestreamed, interactive YouTube conversation with director and choreographer Raja Feather Kelly (A Strange Loop, If Pretty Hurts Ugly Must Be a Muhfucka). On November 9, the free program welcomes playwright Jaclyn Backhaus (Wives, Men on Boats), followed November 16 with author, composer, musician, and performer Heather Christian (Animal Wisdom, Prime). Each seventy-five-minute class is free with advance registration and offers attendees a chance to participate in the discussion. The series has previously featured Will Arbery (Heroes of the Fourth Turning), Clare Barron (Dance Nation), Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play), and Aleshea Harris (What to Send Up When It Goes Down); those classes can be viewed here. During the pandemic, Playwrights Horizons has also been presenting the podcast Soundstage, with audio works by Robert O’Hara, Qui Nguyen, Lucas Hnath, and others; the second season includes commissions from Eboni Booth, Agnes Borinsky, Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, the Debate Society, Sarah Gancher, David Greenspan, Miranda Rose Hall, Dave Harris, Julia Izumi, Kit Yan, and Melissa Li.