New Play Series

The Theatre Cooperative presents three original one-act plays by emerging New England playwrights in its New Play Series. Discussion with the playwright follows each performance.

January 14th and 15th: The Father Hat by Frank A. Shefton.
John and Florence are living a quiet, retired life in Lowell, MA. John’s held down many a job — worn many “hats” — but his longest-lasting and most fulfilling was that of firefighter. Now, John’s son is coming for an uncomfortable visit. For not only is Johnny, Jr. illegitimate, he’s also served prison time as an arsonist.

February 4th and 5th: Ballahoo in the Hair Kitchen by Mary Millner McCullough.
Four black women contend with unsettling changes that accompany the quiet integration of their small southern community. Seeking wigs and wise words in Candy’s Hair Kitchen, Charity, J-Niece and Myaa struggle to come to terms with the personal costs of the collective journey towards racial equality

February 18th and 19th: Widow of Abraham by David Valdes Greenwood.
Devastated by the events of September 11th, Sarah goes in search of 10 righteous people who can justify the continued existence of this seemingly evil world. As she interviews passengers on various buses, she keeps a tally of good and bad, and slowly reveals the truth behind her grief. Widow of Abraham is a fierce, unapologetic look at the terrible enmity between Abraham’s various children–Jews, Muslims, and Christians.