February 10-15, 2020

Admission is free for the staged readings, but reservations are required.

The Chain Playwriting Lab continues its commitment to developing new plays by diverse artists and underrepresented voices in the American Theatre. Since its inception, Chain has developed plays focusing on what unites us, links us together as well as what divides us. It’s storytelling that binds us, regardless of gender, race or creed. 

This year’s plays in development are What Passes for Comedy by G.D. Kimble, directed by Rick Hamilton; Caught by Sharon Cooper, directed by Deirdre Herlihy; and In the Name of the Father by Andrew Martini, directed by Daniel Armando.

The Chain Playwriting Lab is a six-week, intensive process led by Ella Jane New. Playwrights meet regularly with directors, developing and crafting their plays, and eventually bringing in actors to hear the scripts aloud. The Lab culminates in two staged readings of each play at the Chain Theatre Feb 10-15, 2020 at 7:30pm. 

This program has been made possible with the support of the New York Department of Cultural Affairs.

Bios:

Ella Jane New (LAB DIRECTOR) is a theatre and film maker based in NYC. After receiving her MFA from University of London, Ella wrote and directed Banquet of Chestnuts at the George Wood Theatre in London, where she received the Goldsmiths New Writing Award. Other awards include: WOMEN MAKE MOVIES Fellowship and Eastman Foundation Grant and was chosen for the Creative Minds Program in association with Sundance Institute & Sundance Film Festival. Ella's work has been seen around the world at the U.N. Global Wake-Up Fest; Unspoken human rights Festival and has received distribution by BBC Worldwide, Al Jazeera and Globostat Brazil."

Mission:

Chain Theatre is a production company whose goal is to create artistic work that is accessible, relatable, and invokes a visceral response in the audience through the mediums of theatre and film. We provide opportunities for average New Yorkers to experience challenging subject matters and universal themes found in new works and classics alike. New York City is the rare American city that provides opportunities within theatre, film and television; the Chain breaks down the walls between these mediums and showcases the work of writers, actors and directors both onstage and onscreen.

The Chain provides a platform for seasoned professionals, emerging artists and true independent filmmakers to share their personal stories and original ideas with our communities. Our convenient location allows easy accessibility to share the work with audiences from all boroughs.