The Alliance Theatre is pleased to present the four finalists of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition in free, staged readings, as part of the 2026 Alliance/Kendeda Week celebrating new works. RSVPs are requested.
The Words of Ants
By Xiaoyan Kang, University of Iowa
Directed by Avital Shira
Tuesday, MAR 17 // 6:00 PM
Rehearsal Hall A at Alliance Theatre
Memorial Arts Building, 3rd Floor
The visit of an uninvited woman changes Yan’s life forever. As the last natural inheritor, Yan is pulled into a journey to preserve an almost extinct language—but at what cost?
Mira & Dill
By Ally Merkel, New York University
Directed by Caitlin Hargraves
Wednesday, MAR 18 // 6:00 PM
Rehearsal Hall A at Alliance Theatre
Memorial Arts Building, 3rd Floor
A kaleidoscopic comedy about sibling love and the internet, this piece asks when should you trust the ones you love to protect themselves?
Barren.
By Alex Lin, The Juilliard School
Directed by Candy Mclellan
Thursday, MAR 19 // 6:00 PM
Rehearsal Hall A at Alliance Theatre
Memorial Arts Building, 3rd Floor
The story of two sisters navigating two entirely different fates in finding, creating, and embracing family.
Moe is a Dick
By Ida Cuttler, Yale School of Drama
Directed by Alexis Kulani Woodard
FRIDAY, MAR 20 // 3:00 PM
Rehearsal Hall A at Alliance Theatre
Memorial Arts Building, 3rd Floor
This loose adaptation of “Moby Dick” asks us to consider what it means to sail the unsteady waters of family and how to forgive the madness of those who raised us.
Come Curious. Leave Changed.
Join us for transformative theater that speaks to the heart of Atlanta.