Since 1998, the EST/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science & Technology Project has developed hundreds of new plays that question and broaden the view of science in the popular imagination. Each play’s life onstage begins with our First Light festival, an annual presentation of new readings, workshops, and productions. Share a first look at our newest projects during this season’s First Light Festival. All readings are free to attend, but reservations are highly encouraged.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Uncommon Scent

Uncommon Scent a new play by Vern Thiessen

Two perfumers battle each other to create a scent that will defeat the Nazis during WW2. Based on the lives of Jean Carles and Germaine Cellier.

Vern Thiessen is one of Canada’s most produced playwrights. His plays have been seen across Canada, the UK, United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia and been translated in five languages. His works include Of Human Bondage, Vimy, Einstein’s Gift, Lenin’s Embalmers, Pugwash, Apple, and Shakespeare’s Will. He has been produced off-Broadway five times. Vern is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Dora and Sterling awards for Outstanding New Play, The Carol Bolt Award, the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award, the City of Edmonton Arts Achievement Award, the University of Alberta Alumni Award of Excellence, The Canadian Jewish Playwriting Competition, and the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama, Canada’s highest honour for a playwright. He was also a finalist for the Siminovich Prize in Playwriting. Vern received his B.A. from the University of Winnipeg and an M.F.A. from the University of Alberta. He has served as president of both the Playwrights Guild of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. For six years he served as Artistic Director of Workshop West Playwrights Theatre, one of Canada’s leading new play companies. He is married to acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Susie Moloney.

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

The Bees Call Me Eva

The Bees Call Me Eva a new play by Miz Hashimoto

Oslo, 1944. Bee scientist Astrid sits in the office of Nazi officer Josef Terboven with one objective: to gain access to a restricted military area in the name of entomology.

Miz Hashimoto (Miz/they/she) is a British Japanese playwright and alumnus of EST/Youngblood.

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Date: May 15, 2025 and June 5, 2025

Time: 3:00pm - 5:15pm

Location: Ensemble Studio Theatre - 545 West 52nd Street New York, NY 10019

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