Writer in Residence
Parent Residency Recipient
Erika Dickerson-Despenza
Peter Gil-Sheridan
Diana Grisanti
Arlene Hutton
Writer in Full Development with The Shakers of Mount Lebanon Will Hold a Peace Conference This Month
Without enough members to farm their land, a Shaker community is desperate to increase their numbers. A progressive Shaker eldress from the North Family comes up against the conservative South Family; should the Shakers welcome new immigrant neighbors and visitors from the city or insulate themselves from the outside world?
Rajiv Joseph
Production in Residence with King James
“King” LeBron James’s reign in Cleveland brings promise, prosperity and renewal to a city in desperate need of all three. As the city celebrates a championship, two estranged friends spar in a verbal game of 1 on 1, revealing past secrets, present truths, and a possible future after “The King” has left the building. Steppenwolf in association with Center Theatre Group co-present this world premiere by ensemble member Rajiv Joseph, and directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro. King James will also be produced in LA as part of Center Theatre Group’s 2020/21 season.
Donnetta Lavinia Grays
Writer in Full Development with an Untitled Public Theatre Mobile Unit Commission
The Untitled Mobile Unit Play, a commission from The Public Mobile Unit, is a long form poem with humor, heart, and music that tells the story of a man standing before his town asking them for forgiveness after he has made a deal with a mysterious stranger on their behalf. More than a recounting of events, this piece both engages and implicates the audience in determining the man’s fate. The commission supports the development of this original piece that embodies the Mobile Unit’s core belief that “culture belongs to everyone” and considers the unique performance parameters of The Mobile Unit and other community-based touring productions.
Steve Moulds
Tlaloc Rivas
Writer in Full Development with Divisadero
DIVISADERO explores the conflict between a widowed publisher and her mother-in-law over the legacy of their late wife and daughter (respectively). Each one wishes to publicly highlight one facet of the writer’s identity, and bury the others. Between the two great loves of the late writer’s life… who has the right to tell her story?