Fueling our World with New Plays: The Jungle's commitment to working artists

To quote theater critic Kenneth Tynan, "No theater could sanely flourish until there was an umbilical connection between what was happening onstage and what was happening in the world."

Jungle fans may have noticed that there are a lot of productions that are considered "new plays" or "new work" in the current Jungle Theater season. In fact, the 2022-23 season is wholly comprised of plays that fall under this category - plays that have either been written within the last few years or works that are currently still under development. We have also launched a BOLD New Works Script Series to get more plays out in front of people. The Jungle is proud and energized by supporting the creation of new plays and has long viewed it as an essential ingredient for a thriving theater company.

Providing a stage and production support to developing new works is one of the most valuable things that a theater can do to support working artists. Sara Davis Buechner's OF PIGS AND PIANOS began the Jungle's 2022-23 season. This show had one run at Theater Lab in New York in 2021 prior to its arrival on the Jungle Stage. KING GILGAMESH AND THE MAN OF THE WILD had workshops prior to its run at the Jungle and will continue later this month at the Under the Radar Festival (which you can follow along on their journey here). While we did not write, cast, or direct these shows, the Jungle recognized these works as meaningful stories to invest in. A show that has been conceived of, written, and even rehearsed, is still not complete if there is no stage or audience to witness it. When the Jungle gives a production a home for a short while, it enables that play to become more than just a great idea. It allows that great idea to impact the lives of others. 

By supporting working playwrights, the Jungle is helping to shape the current and future theatrical landscape. The Jungle commissioned Kate Hamill to write a play adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN, which was produced in 2018. The play received critical acclaim and has since gone on to be produced in theaters across the county. Most recently, Jungle produced Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon's GEORGIANA & KITTY: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY. This series was co-commissioned by Jungle Theater, Marin Theatre Company, and Northlight Theatre. As a result of commissions, the plays in this series, MISS BENNET, THE WICKHAMS, and GEORGIANA & KITTY have been enjoyed by many audiences across the country.

Next in our season is the brand-new play, 5 by JuCoby Johnson, which will be co-produced by the Jungle and Trademark Theater. The premiere of this work is made even more meaningful by the fact that JuCoby Johnson is a multidisciplinary Twin Cities artist. Being in conversation with working artists enables the Jungle to be a vibrant hub of creative activity.  

But what about all those marvelous plays that already exist? Will the Jungle ever do those plays? Yes! We love those plays too and will continue to produce them! Reimagining classics and producing extant plays is also a wonderful way to examine our present moment - at times, perhaps the best way. The Jungle looks forward to producing a variety of work for our audiences. This "umbilical connection" between the Jungle's stage and the present reality is continual and requires what any good play offers - a rigorous pursuit and exploration of truth. 

We're delighted to be on this exciting ride with you. We can't wait to see you in the theater soon!