American Rusalki By Christopher Lysik Northern Rhode Island, early 1800s. The Blackstone River runs through the woods of a small, rural town... and there’s Something in the water. This play with music is based on dark Polish & American mythology and is set during the early 1800s. This play contains discussions of topics including murder, suicide, self-harm, and the supernatural. Tickets for readings are free of charge; however, you must obtain a ticket at the door and seating is limited...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: The Words of Ants by Xiaoyan Kang '25 The visit of an uninvited woman changes Y's life forever. As the last natural inheritor, Y embarks upon a journey to preserve an almost extinct language... But at what cost?  Please be advised this reading contains themes including the death of loved ones, domestic violence, and tobacco use.  This reading is free and open to all. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: Saints by Derick Edgren '24 Anthony Weiner is gone. Steve Bannon is gone. Aaron Shock is gone. Ron Paul is gone. Rick Gates is gone. Katie Hill is gone. Chris Collins is gone...and George Anthony Devolder Santos is still standing. This reading is free and open to all. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: No Gun Salute for Ofeke by Cheta Igbokwe '25 After his fourth and final attempt to be admitted into the Ikenga masquerade cult, Ofeke gives up his quest for true manhood, which the cult confers on its subjects. His resignation from the pursuit is accompanied by a detest for it, for in his words, “They failed, not I.” But his sudden discovery of a personal secret of the cult leader, Obosi, offers Ofeke a real bargaining voice, but fleeting power. No Gun Salute for...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: Leeches by Adrian Enzastiga '26 Eviction court is a no man's land; tenants' rights are oppressed under landlords' command, and social workers [can] do little to offer a hand. Please be advised that "Leeches" contains classism, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and infant mortality. This reading is free and open to all. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: The Loss of a Birthmark by Poonam Dhir '26 Twelve days after a death, family members gather. this is a moment of reckoning. with lineage. with legacy. There’s a sizable difference between belief and understanding. Please be advised that "The Loss of a Birthmark" contains discussions of death, domestic violence, abuse, alcoholism, and sexual references. This reading is free and open to all. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: Forgottonia by Eli Campbell '25 In 1987, the people of Forgottonia, Illinois, are on the edge of poverty. In a last-ditch effort to save their town, they enter the Prison Sweepstakes, which would win them a government-funded prison (and all the jobs that come with it). But competing for a prison drags out more than they were bargaining for.  Please be advised that "Forgottonia" contains depictions of classism, racism, and onstage drug use. This reading is free...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: MUNplay by Cianon Jones '26 Model United Nations Conference A. Please be advised that "MUNplay" contains tobacco use. This reading is free and open to all. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Department of Theatre Arts in advance at 319-335-2700.

Playwrights Workshop Readings: Flashes by Adrian Enzastiga '26 Directed by Michael Christopher Flores Feeling abandoned? Just pretend you're not, and escape into a world of make believe! Side effects include blurred vision and spatial memory. Try it today! Please be advised that "Flashes" contains depictions of drug & alcohol abuse, homophobia, parental neglect & abandonment, and sexual encounters. This reading is free and open to all. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: we are Hunted and/or a house sitting play by Poonam Dhir '26 House sitters wanted for the holiday break. Mature, independent, responsible, reliable, and kind. References a must. Women preferred. Ring in the new year in a home away from home.  This reading is free and open to all. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: Death Surrogates by Cianon Jones '26 In a town called Out There is a company called SKY whose existence has and continues to abuse the towns’ residents. But a diligent group known as the Undead Opposition are in the works to take them down. Still there are sides to be taken, resources to be had, and covert promises to be fulfilled, and all in the midst of the impending end of the world. Please be advised that "Death Surrogates" contains descriptions and...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: Cave Canem by Alex Lead '25 CAVE CANEM is a modern Southern Gothic exploring the possibility of forgiveness in the face of dire consequences. On the darkest night of his life, Jermichael cut off his lifelong friendship with his next-door neighbor. Two years later, the neighbor has adopted his nephew, a dog, and Jermichael has just been granted partial custody of his son, a human. The former best friends attempt to bottle their resentments before their collective...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: [An Untitled History of the Two-Story Home at 15 Lee St., Federal Hill, Providence, RI-- From the Year of Our Lord 1898 Through 2017; and the Descendants of Rosa De Lucia Who've Lived There]  by Christopher Lysik '24 In 1898, Rosa de Lucia boards a steamship and leaves her native Italy to join her husband in the burgeoning Italian district of Providence, RI— only to find herself an outsider in a city dominated by the Irish and Yankee elites. So... What changes...

Playwrights Workshop Readings: Daddyda by Xiaoyan Kang '25 The best dad has come to TikTok. Please be advised this reading contains mention of death, the loss of loved ones, and domestic violence. This reading is free and open to all. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Department of Theatre...

Nicole, an artist, and Harper struggle to connect in the weeks after a miscarriage. In the woods, Nicole meets a mysterious young girl. Iris is about creation, loss, and learning to live with uncertainty.