Overview

Commissioned by Goodman Theatre as part of its prestigious New Stages Residency, George Washington’s Mexican Birthday is a theatrical exploration of legacy, nationalism, and the stories we inherit. The piece reimagines myth through a bicultural lens, interrogating how memory, identity, and erasure play out across generations.

My Role

As playwright, I developed the work in collaboration with the Goodman team, participating in a dramaturgical process that emphasized both cultural specificity and expansive narrative. The staged reading took place in the 400-seat Owen Theatre and was directed by Gabrielle Randle-Bent.

Creative Strategy

This play was designed with layered entry points: accessible enough to move public audiences while probing deeply into questions of power, cultural inheritance, and spectacle. I engaged in iterative development based on early audience feedback, working closely with the dramaturg and director to ensure resonance across Goodman’s diverse constituencies.

Outcome

The reading sold out and was enthusiastically received by the audience and artistic staff. The piece was featured at the Women’s Board luncheon and helped anchor a broader conversation about identity and legacy. The Goodman’s right of first refusal expired in spring 2024, and the piece is now available for future development.