ON THE EVOLUTIONARY FUNCTION OF SHAME

BY

D.A. MINDELL

DIRECTED BY

JESS MCLEOD

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In the beginning, two people got kicked out of a garden for eating fruit. Many years later, Adam—a transgender man expecting a child—meets with his twin sister, Eve, a pioneering scientist. She offers her brother prenatal services from her cutting-edge practice. But what exactly does that entail? And does Adam even want Eve’s help?

Written by bold new talent D.A. Mindell and helmed by the refreshingly innovative director Jess McLeod, On the Evolutionary Function of Shame is a compelling exploration of identity, family, and the courage it takes to live authentically, no matter the expectations of society—or those closest to you.

DATES COMING SOON.

BY D.A. MINDELL

D.A. Mindell (Playwright) is a playwright and educator based in Manhattan while pursuing his MFA at Columbia University. His work aims to contribute to a canon for transgender artists to explore the breadth and depth of opportunity that cis artists have been able to pursue for centuries. He is thrilled to be working with Second Stage again after participating in the 2024 Next Stage Reading Series. Recent recognition includes participation in the 2024 //dareCommission for Breaking the Binary Theatre, First Kiss Theatre's Summer 2024 Residency, and the 2023 Fair Play Initiative Commission through Florida Atlantic University. He wants to express his immense gratitude for his ability to share his work with the world, as well as his solidarity with those struggling to do so, including the artists of the Jenin Freedom Theatre.

DIRECTED BY JESS MCLEOD

Jess McLeod (Director)  is a first-generation Korean/Filipina/Scottish director & social justice advocate specializing in risky new work about America. NYCLU/Creatives Rebuild Artist-In-Residence; Roundabout Refocus Project Curator; Woolly Mammoth BOLD Resident Director; Resident Director, Hamilton Chicago. Recent NY credits include Atlantic, Roundabout, MTC, EST and Little Island. Regional credits include Steppenwolf, Woolly Mammoth, Alliance, Goodman, Lyric Opera of Chicago, IAMA, Victory Gardens, San Diego Rep, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Long Wharf, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Chicago Shakes, The Gift, A Red Orchid Theatre and developmental work at the O’Neill, NAMT, WTF and The Ground Floor at Berkeley Rep. Jess also works frequently at the intersection of art & activism, and has created operas with community groups (Lyric), the #STOPASIANHATE video campaign for NY Rep. Grace Meng’s 3/26 Day of Action & Healing (co-creator) and curated Broadway Advocacy Coalition’s inaugural Arts In Action Festival. She recently served as Co-Chair, with Michael Korie, of the Dramatists Guild Foundation’s Musical Theatre Fellows and is currently under commission at La Jolla Playhouse. MFA, Northwestern. www.jess-mcleod.com | @mcjessmc 

PERFORMANCE DATES

WHERE

BEGINS FEBRUARY 12 / THE IRENE DIAMOND STAGE

THE PERSHING SQUARE SIGNATURE CENTER