The Artistic Congress: 'this dry spell' (Reading)

After one night together in the desert, Grace uproots their life to chase after a relationship with Brahm, a person who's slowly becoming a cactus. Not known for a green thumb, Grace tends to Brahm and the seeds of their own doubt. Grace tumbles through the complicated conversations about what their porn star mother thinks of this new relationship, what to teach kids in the elementary art classroom, and what lessons Grace may need to learn on their own.

this dry spell confronts the difficulty of existing in modern life as well as the magic it takes to define yourself. Is the desert a place for love to finally grow or are they both just waiting for rain?

“There’s a lot of magic that happens in our world if you know how to really see it,” said Keegon Schuett, winner of the 2024 Yale Drama Series Prize, for the new play, this dry spell. This deeply personal new work celebrates trans identity at a time when many places would like to erase it. this dry spell confronts the difficulty of existing in modern life as well as the magic it takes to define yourself. Is the desert a place for love to finally grow or are they both just waiting for rain? this dry spell aims to provide nourishment to those hiding in the shadows and for understanding and recognition that creates space for all. A world premiere professional staged reading will be featured as part of The Artistic Congress, presented by Long Wharf Theatre in partnership with the Schwarzman Center. Schuett will also be honored by the David Charles Horn Foundation with the Prize.

• Director - Brian Fruits-Esparza
• Grace - Shakiera Sarai
• Brahm - Jaehan Pag
• Linda - Alice Berry
• Jeremy - Jacob Wingfield
• Zuck - Caitlin Boho
• Hugh - Megan Meinero
• Lent - Emily Childers
• Stage Directions - Atlie Gilbert

The David Charles Horn Foundation, which is the sole financial supporter of the prize, was established in 2003 by Francine Horn, David Horn’s wife and partner in the international fashion publication service Here & There. In its work, the foundation seeks to honor David Horn, whose dream of having his own writing published was never realized, by offering other writers the opportunity for publication. Previous judges for the playwriting prize are Edward Albee, Sir David Hare, John Guare, Marsha Norman, Nicholas Wright, Ayad Akhtar, Paula Vogel, and a one-time panel of previous winners Neil Wechsler, Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, Virginia Grise, Jacqueline Goldfinger, Leah Nanako Winkler, and Rachel Lynett.  

Learn more about Jeremy O. Harris this year's judge.