Milwaukee Rep Announces New Play Development Workshop Reading Series

As a central component of its John D. (Jack) Lewis New Play Development Program, Milwaukee Repertory Theater announces its workshop reading series. Since 1958, Milwaukee Rep has premiered nearly 150 plays and musicals. Last season, The Rep announced the creation of the John D. (Jack) Lewis New Play Development Program to rededicate and increase The Rep's commitment to creating new work by producing up to five new plays across its three theaters each season. The workshop reading series allows audiences a sneak peek at The Rep's commissioned new plays in progress, as well as the chance to experience other new projects and writers under exploration.

This year's workshop reading series includes new plays from national writers Martín Zimmerman, Larissa Fasthorse, and Nathan Alan Davis, among others. "We're thrilled to launch this exciting component of our new play development effort, eager to add the audience to the developmental journey of each of these innovative, bold projects, and to share some of the most exciting voices in contemporary theater-and many more in seasons to come," said Brent Hazelton, Associate Artistic Director and Director of the John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program.

New Play Development Play Reading Workshops

Most readings are free and open to the public and are held in locations throughout the community. For more information about the readings and to reserve your seat-attendance for these one-night-only play readings is limited-please visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com.

The Call of the Wild- Monday, January 22, 7:00pm

Presented at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Adapted from the novella by Jack London and Directed by Ian Frank

Dramaturged by Deanie Vallone

Jack London's novel tells the story of Buck, a princely St. Bernard mix who is kidnapped and sold into a dogsled team during the Klondike gold rush of 1897. To survive, Buck taps into long-dormant instincts as his epic adventures play out across the sublime backdrop of the Arctic wilderness. Confronted with this cruel and beautiful place, Buck unmasks a primal power that draws him inexorably closer to his ancestors: the wolf. But at what cost?

The Not-So-Accidental Conviction of Eleven Milwaukee "Anarchists"- Monday, February 19, 7:00pm

Presented at Puddler's Hall

By Martín Zimmerman | Directed by Joshua Brody

Dramaturged by Brent Hazelton

In 1917 a bomb went off at the Milwaukee police station and eleven Italian "anarchists" were charged. But what really happened that day? Four actors gather to devise a play about the incident, and in the process, unveil larger questions about ethnic politics, the justice system, and our own city.

The Thanksgiving Play- Monday, March 19, 6:30pm

Presented at the Mitchell St. Library

By Larissa Fasthorse | Directed by Leda Hoffmann

Dramaturged by Deanie Vallone

A satirical comedy about four mismatched artists attempting to devise an ethnically sensitive play for the local schools to celebrate both Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month. They must find their way through a hilarious thicket of absurd assumptions, historical perspectives, and school district policy as the pageant must go on!

The Wind and the Breeze- Monday, April 16, 7:00pm

Presented at True Skool

By Nathan Alan Davis | Directed by Rob Lutfy

Dramaturged by Deanie Vallone

Sam, the legendary, undisputed, greatest emcee in Rockford, Illinois, plans to rest on his laurels all winter-but his closest mentees and their outsized dreams challenge him to a battle he can't win. A story that explores the politics of place, the unspoken expectations of friendship, and what happens when we choose to stand our ground on shifting sands.

Lost Girl - Monday, May 21, 7:00pm
Presented at Milwaukee Repertory Theater
By Kimberly Belflower
Directed by Cortney McEniry
Dramaturged by Deanie Vallone
Private reading by invitation only

What became of Wendy Darling in the years following her adventures with Peter Pan? Long after returning from Neverland, Wendy decides that she must find Peter in order to reclaim her kiss and move on with her life. Along the way, she meets other girls who went to Neverland and learns she is not alone. A coming-of-age exploration of first love and lasting loss, Lost Girl continues the story of J.M. Barrie's beloved character-the girl who had to grow up.

For more information, please visit our website www.MilwaukeeRep.com

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