The La Jolla Playhouse is gearing up for its annual DNA New Work Series, an event that showcases the power of artistic development and the potential for new plays to captivate audiences. This year, the series takes on a new dimension with the arrival of a fresh artistic director, Jessica Stone, who brings a unique perspective and a passion for nurturing emerging talent.
The DNA New Work Series: A Platform for Creative Exploration
The DNA New Work Series has been a staple at the La Jolla Playhouse since 2013, offering a platform for writers and artists to present their works-in-progress. It's a unique opportunity for both creators and audiences, as it provides an intimate setting to engage with the creative process.
What makes this series particularly fascinating is its stripped-down approach. Instead of elaborate productions, the focus is on the raw, unfiltered storytelling. Actors deliver readings with scripts in hand, allowing the words and ideas to take center stage. It's a brave and vulnerable space for artists, and a chance for audiences to witness the magic of storytelling in its purest form.
Curating the Series: Gabriel Greene's Vision
Gabriel Greene, the director of artistic development at the playhouse, curates and produces the DNA New Work Series. His philosophy is threefold: to match resources with developing projects, foster relationships with artists, and involve audiences in the play-making process.
Greene emphasizes the importance of supporting projects at an early stage, providing them with the resources they need to thrive. He notes that while many want to showcase new plays, the opportunity to produce them is limited. The series aims to fill this gap, offering a developmental haven for emerging works.
This Year's Selections: A Diverse Range of Stories
For 2026, the DNA New Work Series has selected four diverse and captivating plays:
- "Rockville" by Steven Levenson, directed by Jessica Stone, explores the tentative friendship between two isolated characters.
- "Mother's Day" by Bekah Brunstetter, directed by Jennifer Chambers, follows a woman's journey towards motherhood.
- "Artney Jackson" by James Anthony Tyler, directed by Jacole Kitchen, chronicles a week of conflict and fate for the titular character.
- "Evil Diva" by Stephen Karam, directed by Shayok Misha Chowdhury, tells the story of a woman's transformation into a monster.
While the themes of the plays are not predetermined, Greene sees a common thread in the depth of the one-on-one relationships depicted. From loneliness and reproductive issues to workplace struggles and intense family dynamics, these plays offer a molecular exploration of human connections.
A New Artistic Director, A New Vision
The most notable change for this year's series is the arrival of Jessica Stone as the new artistic director. Stone, a two-time Tony Award nominee, brings a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to developing and premiering new plays and musicals.
In my opinion, Stone's enthusiasm for expanding the playhouse's developmental efforts is a game-changer. Her vision aligns perfectly with the DNA New Work Series, and I believe her leadership will further propel the series' success.
Impact and Legacy
The DNA New Work Series has already made a significant impact on the playhouse's future productions. Past works that have emerged from this series include Noah Diaz's "All the Men Who've Frightened Me," Ayad Akhtar's Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Who & The What," and "Chasing the Song" by Tony winners Joe DiPietro and David Bryan.
This year's selections, particularly "Rockville" and "Mother's Day," showcase the series' ability to highlight diverse stories and themes.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Artistic Development
The DNA New Work Series is more than just a showcase of new plays; it's a celebration of the artistic development process. It provides a supportive environment for writers and artists to experiment, grow, and connect with audiences. With the leadership of Jessica Stone and the curatorial vision of Gabriel Greene, this year's series promises to be a captivating exploration of human stories and the power of theater.
