Wallace Shawn, Jeremy Shamos and More Set for ImPlosion Party at Joe's Pub Tonight, 9/10

In 2003, concerned that the trend of endless readings and development programs was limiting the texture and ambition of new American plays, 13 midcareer playwrights banded together to try a different model. Each playwright would serve as Artistic Director of the company-deciding the goals of the project, designing its process, and choosing collaborators-as it realized a full production of his/her play. The organization, 13P, completed its mission with Sara Ruhl's (P#13) sold-out Melancholy Play in July.

Tonight, September 10 from 7-11pm, 13P will celebrate its history with the ImPlosion Party, a blowout bash at Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street) that is free to all and includes an open bar from 7-10pm. The evening features a performance by Lisa Kron along with selections from Anne Washburn's (P#1) The Internationalist, Sarah Ruhl's (P#13) Melancholy Play, and Young Jean Lee's (P#11) We're Gonna Die. Space is limited. Reservations are required and can be made at 13P.org.

Available for purchase for the first time will be 13P: The Complete Plays, a limited edition book.

With this final event, 13P will cease to exist.

Following a redesign, 13P.org will relaunch on September 10 as A People's History of 13P. This digital archive will document the experiences and challenges the playwrights have faced in their time together. It will include filmed interviews with the playwrights, collaborators and supporters. It will showcase who 13P was, what they made, and how they made it. Copycats are welcome.

Wallace Shawn and Jeremy Shamos will be reading from THE INTERNATIONALIST (P#1), Lisa Kron will be hosting, Hannah Boss is DJ-ing. The cast of MELANCHOLY PLAY (P#13) will be singing, accompanied by Todd Almond, and Young Jean Lee and Future Wife will play.

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