ANNOUNCING:
THE 25/26 HOURGLASS SEASON!
AFTER THE REVOLUTION
by AMY HERZOG
directed by jeff siuda
Saturday, November 1st, 2pm
After the Revolution centers on Emma Joseph, a young lawyer who has established a civil rights foundation in honor of her revered, blacklisted communist grandfather. Her idealistic view of her grandfather is shattered when a dark family secret is revealed. The play explores the intergenerational conflict within the family as they grapple with a thorny legacy, the meaning of truth, and Emma's struggle to forge her own identity and principles.
DO YOU FEEL ANGER?
by Mara nelson-greenberg
directed by beverly bauman
Saturday, January 24th, 2pm
Do You Feel Anger? by Mara Nelson-Greenberg is a surreal dark comedy that explores the anxieties and hostility of toxic workplaces and toxic masculinity, featuring an empathy coach hired to lead anger workshops at a debt collection agency. The play uses subtle exaggerations and absurdist elements to depict a world where characters suppress their needs to avoid male tantrums and the ever-present threat of workplace violence.
KING JAMES
by rajiv joseph
directed by jason rugg
Saturday, May 16th, 2pm
King James centers on two men from different backgrounds who bond over their shared passion for basketball and their adoration of NBA superstar LeBron James. Set over twelve years, the story uses James's career as a backdrop to explore their complicated friendship, their varying views on race, and the profound connections that sports can foster. The play, which features two lead actors and is divided into four "quarters" corresponding to pivotal moments in LeBron James's career, never shows LeBron himself but rather the effect of his career on the two friends.
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED - QUICK AND EASY!
HPRS events are free but reservations are strongly encouraged.**
A free play reading series with Blackfriars Theatre
Hourglass Play Reading Series is an official program of Blackfriars Theatre. Founded in 2010 by Sandi Henschel, Barbara Lobb and Maria Scipione, HPRS strives to present readings of thought-provoking plays that explore culturally relevant themes and give voice to diverse stories. We practice color and gender conscious casting and strive to create an inclusive theatrical community where all actors feel welcome and valued. Leading the team for the 2025-2026 Season are Co-Producers Cynthia Brito and Ron Dufort.
For more information about the Hourglass Play Reading Series, email Hourglass@blackfriars.org.
YOUR GIFT HELPS TO KEEP HOURGLASS OPEN TO EVERYONE
THE HOURGLASS PLAY READING SERIES IS A FREE PROGRAM OF BLACKFRIARS THEATRE. DONATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED SO THAT WE CAN MAINTAIN ACCESSIBILITY FOR OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY. YOU CAN DONATE IN PERSON, AT THE THEATRE - OR FEEL FREE TO CLICK THE DONATE BUTTON BELOW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY!
All readings are cast through an audition process.
Director submissions can be made by emailing info@blackfriars.org. Please include resume/cover letter with your submission.