A Reading Series where Science is Center Stage
Science@Play readings are lightly staged readings held in the intimate embrace of our studio in Downtown Livermore. Actors carry scripts, but may still be staged by the director, with costume pieces, a few hand props, and minimal furniture. The post-show discussion with the cast is as much a part of the event as the show. For the newly commissioned piece, the director and playwright are generally on hand to share insight into the play development process.
Season 2024/25
Announcing SPARC’s Science@Play Playwright
Mildred Inez Lewis
Mildred Inez Lewis is a writer and director for theater, film, and the digital space. As a member of the Dramatists Guild, Lewis writes for Antaeus Theatre Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre-LA, PlayGround-LA, and Towne Street Theatre. Lewis is also an associate artist with Rogue Artists Ensemble. After graduating from Oberlin College, she began as a director in the Actors Studio and trained at EST and HB Studios. Lewis earned an MFA from UCLA’s film school where she won a Samuel Goldwyn screenplay award. Her plays have been published by Applause Books, Broadway Play Publishing. LazyBee (UK), Breathe Fire literary magazine, and elsewhere. Lewis’ Recent honors include the AGE Legacy Award (2023), Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Festival finals (2022), and the L.B. Williams Award at New Circle Theatre (2021). Lewis is currently an Assistant Professor at Chapman University in Irvine, CA.
“When I’m not writing or panicking about deadlines, I do comedy. My writing is provocative and tends to the dark and political. Sketchwriting and improv have literally lightened my spirits and, hopefully, leavened my work. Performing virtually has been rewarding in ways that I would never have expected after working behind the scenes for so long. It has given me a new appreciation for how life-giving and flat-out joyful our work can be. “
Two nuclear scientists had a conversation in 1941 to which no one else was witness. This conversation may have altered the course of history.
Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen is a fictionalized account of a 1941 meeting between German physicist Werner Heisenberg and his former mentor, Danish physicist Niels Bohr. Set during World War II, the play explores the relationship between science and politics, and the motivations behind Heisenberg’s visit. The two scientists, along with Bohr’s wife Margrethe, revisit their personal and professional history, including their roles in the race to develop the atomic bomb.
A story set amidst the environmental, cultural, and political conflicts over water rights and air quality in California’s Owens Valley.
Allison, a local teaching artist, and Troy, a DWP geologist, are appointed to a commission that will decide the future of Owens Valley. While Allison, chosen by county exec Georgia, represents the community, Troy is determined to push for DWP’s withdrawal, motivated by his father’s legacy in the original mitigation efforts. As their personal and professional worlds collide, they must navigate their differing views on science, art, money, and memory, all while their relationship hangs in the balance. Their recommendation will determine not only the lake’s future, but their own.
*PM10 is at the early phase of development, which includes a developmental reading. A developmental reading means that the playwright is still working on the script. There might be line changes from one reading to the next as the writer tests the writing against audience response. It also means the play has not yet been published as it has not reached its final form. We supply a director and dramaturgical support to assist the writer through this multi-draft process.
Science@Play is partially funded by:
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Jay & Mary Davis
“Art illuminates. This is a moment for arts organizations to enlighten their audiences and contribute to a global narrative by showcasing the minds and spirits of the folks in the middle of today’s scientific breakthroughs. By commissioning BIPOC writers to create characters for these stories, we uplift people of color as leaders in the scientific community.” — Lisa A. Tromovitch, Founding Artistic Director
All performances @SPARC Studio, 2172 Railroad Avenue. Masks recommended, but not required.