FRIDAY–SUNDAY, JUNE 14–16, 2019

The Second Columbia University School of the Arts International Play Reading Festival | Spring 2019

Organized by Carol Becker and David Henry Hwang, Theatre

This marquee festival presented readings of three plays by living international playwrights alongside conversations with the playwrights and translators.

Featuring: The Sickness of Stone, written by Blanca Domenech, Spain, You Shall Love, written by Pablo Manzi, Chile, Snow, written by Blandine Savetier and Waddah Saab, France.

Snow, written by Blandine Savetier and Waddah Saab, France

The Sickness of Stone, written by Blanca Domenech, Spain

You Shall Love, written by Pablo Manzi, Chile

Translator Panel Discussion: How Did This Play Get into English?

Translators Taylor Gaines and Caridad Svich in conversation with Susan Bernofsky, Writing

Playwright Panel Discussion

Blanca Domenech, Pablo Manzi, Blandine Savetier, and Waddah Saab in conversation with David Henry Hwang, Theatre

The aim of this festival is to expand contemporary US understanding of theatre beyond that of English-speaking countries, and to present new theatrical voices to US audiences.

Festival Directors

Carol Becker, Professor of the Arts and Dean, Columbia University School of the Arts

David Henry Hwang, Concentration Head, Playwriting, Theatre MFA Program

Selection Committee

Susan Bernofsky, Director, Literary Translation at Columbia, Writing MFA Program

David Henry Hwang, Concentration Head, Playwriting, Theatre MFA Program

Morgan Jenness, Theatre MFA Program

Kate Loewald, Theatre MFA Program and The Play Company

Christian Parker, Chair, Theatre MFA Program

Nominating Bodies

The Lark

The Play Company

Sundance Institute

Under the Radar at the Public Theater

Director of Public Programs and Engagement.

Gavin Browning

Production Manager

Kirk Laing

Line Producer

Paloma Estevez

Casting Director

Matthew Wise

2020 International Play Reading Festival

International Play Reading Festival

Check out this year's upcoming festival October, 2020

Festival Archive

2018 International Play Reading Festival⇒

"We are thrilled to fulfill the dream of bringing international play readings to Columbia University, the neighborhood, and to the City. We hope to generate enthusiasm for these international plays by playwrights whose work may not as yet be known in New York and to fulfill our mission as a global and local arts center."

Carol Becker, Dean, Columbia University School of the Arts

“In these volatile times, the theatre can play an invaluable role to help us understand and embrace people from around the globe. Yet US theatre for the most part remains dangerously myopic. When was the last time you saw a new non-American play from anyplace besides the UK or Ireland (perhaps Canada or Australia)? With this festival entering its second year, Columbia University School of the Arts starts to fill the void, by bringing exciting international plays by living authors to New York, works which give audiences the opportunity to see our world anew.”