at the very bottom of a body of water A New Play

This new play will be presented as a reading. Readings are an essential part of the play development process. We are proud to offer this as part of our On The Radar (OTR) New Works Program that aims to support the creation of diverse new stories by emerging U.S. playwrights. Click here to learn more about OTR.

Member reservations begin on January 6.

Tickets go on sale to the public on January 13 or….

» See this show for free when you Subscribe for $15/month!

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Marina swims in a circle of routine: every week, she goes to her local fish store, buys a catfish, and makes soup. But this week, her usual fishmonger has disappeared and the comfort of her ritual has been destroyed! But does destruction only mean pain and suffering, or could it also mean the possibility for new and grander experiences? She’s about to find out.

NOTE: This play contains adult language and descriptions of death and dying.

ABOUT OUR 2025 RESIDENT PLAYWRIGHT:

Benjamin Benne

Benjamin Benne (he/him) is Chance Theater’s 2025 Resident Playwright, a Playwrights’ Center ’23-26 Core Writer, and was named part of “LA Vanguardia: The Latino innovators, instigators, and power players breaking through barriers” by the Los Angeles Times. His produced plays include Alma (Center Theatre Group’s Kirk Douglas Theatre, American Blues Theater, ArtsWest, Curious Theatre, Central Square Theater, The Spot, Chance Theater, Passage Theatre), In His Hands (Mosaic Theater, First Floor), Manning (Portland Stage), and What / Washed Ashore/ Astray (Pillsbury House Theatre). Additionally, his work has been developed at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, The Public, Roundabout, Playwrights Realm, Denver Center, The Old Globe, Boston Court Pasadena, Two River, New Harmony Project, and SPACE on Ryder Farm, among many others. He has been awarded the Orange Curtain Award for Best Writing, Ojai Playwrights Conference’s Dr. Kerry English Award, Portland Stage’s Clauder Competition Grand Prize, American Blues Theater’s Blue Ink Playwriting Award, Arizona Theatre Company’s National Latinx Playwriting Award, and KCACTF Latinx Playwriting Award, among others. He has been commissioned by South Coast Repertory and Seattle Repertory Theatre. MFA: David Geffen/Yale School of Drama. www.benjaminbenne.com

This new play will be presented as a reading. Readings are an essential part of the play development process. We are proud to offer this as part of our On The Radar (OTR) New Works Program that aims to support the creation of diverse new stories by emerging U.S. playwrights. Click here to learn more about OTR.

2025 OTR Reading Series Sponsors

Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation
The Elizabeth George Foundation
Jennifer Ruckman & Ken Favell
Amanda Demaio
National Endowment for the Arts

David & Judy Joss
Steven & Louise Koch
Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller