Such a beautifully observed, delicately rendered piece that explores huge themes--immigrant/first-gen experiences, queer coming of age, gentrification, adult and adolescent friendship and fellowship and more--with fine and gentle brushstrokes. So many of the scenes didn't end with huge dramatic flourishes, but small little seismic shifts and ellipses and open-ended questions. I especially appreciated the potent queer storyline that eschewed trauma in favor of examining how the two boys supported and cared for one another. The sense of place of this particular city block was also crystal clear--I'd love to see it all fully realized onstage.

It is the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's pleasure to recommend Nikhil Mahapatra and their play American Hunger as a finalist for our 2020 National Playwrights Conference. This particular work emerged from a highly competitive, anonymous, and multi-tiered selection process to become one of 63 finalists out of more than 1,500 submissions. This enthralling piece galvanized the hearts and theatrical imaginations of our reading teams and is fully championed by our offices. We are honored to put our enthusiastic support behind this writer and their ongoing contributions to the American Theater.