Jewish Plays Project congratulates THE MESSENGER for receiving our COMMENDED status for the 15th National Jewish Playwriting Contest in 2025. Commended plays received strong advocacy for consideration through our signature Jewish Artistic Democracy community reading process out of the 315+ plays we received. Our readers appreciated how the stories of four women who were all dynamic, sympathetic but also flawed were woven together to speak to ethical questions that will create community dialogue.

A gorgeous play that could not be more timely. It is filled with heart, love, and pain. At times tender and at times incendiary. And always infuriating as it invokes a call to action. It is Davis at the peak of her storytelling prowess. Much like SCIENTIFIC METHOD (read it!!)... it should be done all over the country.

A set of gut-wrenching stories, beautifully told. This play clips along at a pace that kept me at the edge of my seat, a pace that also gives a feeling that bigoted attitudes can take on a life of their own and before you know it, fuel tragic consequences, if we aren't vigilant and decisive in addressing them. Exceptionally well-crafted and timely, with distinct character voices that are seamlessly integrated to create a modern cautionary tale about the persistence of xenophobia and the danger of avoiding uncomfortable truths.