New Works Commissioned Plays
Celebrating AAPI voices through storytelling, performance, and community
About New Works Commissioned Plays
Developing bold new AAPI stories for the stage.
For more than 30 years, CATS has championed AAPI storytelling across theater, film, music, and cultural arts. Our New Works Commissioning Play Program is a natural extension of that mission, investing directly in playwrights creating fresh, compelling stories for today’s audiences.
Original plays don’t just appear fully formed. They require time, artistic collaboration, experimentation, and community support.
Through this program, CATS commissions new theatrical works by AAPI playwrights, helping ideas move from concept to script to staged reading, while engaging audiences as part of the creative journey.
By supporting playwrights in development, CATS is helping expand the canon of contemporary AAPI theater for future productions, audiences, and artists.
Why This Program Matters
AAPI stories remain underrepresented on American stages.
While audiences increasingly seek authentic, diverse storytelling, playwrights often lack the resources, development opportunities, and producing partners needed to bring new work forward.
CATS helps fill that gap by:
commissioning original new plays
providing professional development opportunities
pairing playwrights with directors and actors
creating public staged readings for audience engagement
gathering feedback that helps shape future productions
helping promising works continue their journey beyond CATS
This is not simply about presenting theater.
It’s about helping create the next generation of AAPI plays.
Commissioned Works
(THE) FOUNDATION
By Jeffrey Lo
CATS launched its inaugural New Works commission with The Foundation, an original new play by acclaimed playwright Jeffrey Lo.
Premiering as a staged reading in November 2025 to a sold-out audience, the play sparked vibrant discussion around philanthropy, power, relationships, and legacy.
Following its successful development with CATS, the play advanced to a second staged reading with SF Playhouse in April 2026, demonstrating the kind of artistic momentum this program is designed to support.
AFTERMATH LITURGY
By Min Kahng
In May 2026, CATS premiered Aftermath Liturgy, an innovative new work by playwright/composer Min Kahng.
Presented in the sanctuary of Wesley United Methodist Church as part of AAPI Heritage Month, this immersive staged reading blended live music, projections, storytelling, and audience reflection in an exploration of faith, identity, belonging, and personal truth.
The sold-out performance demonstrated audiences’ appetite for inventive, thought-provoking AAPI storytelling.
The Audience as Collaborator
A hallmark of the CATS New Works program is active audience engagement.
Each staged reading includes opportunities for community dialogue, talkbacks, and audience feedback that directly support the playwright’s development process.
When audiences attend a CATS New Works reading, they’re not simply watching a performance.
They’re helping shape a play’s future.
Looking Ahead
CATS plans to continue commissioning original AAPI theatrical works annually, creating a growing pipeline for playwrights and expanding opportunities for artists, collaborators, and audiences.
Next New Works Commission: Spring 2027
Support New Work
New plays require vision, risk-taking, and community investment. Your support helps fund playwright commissions, artist stipends, rehearsal space, production support, and audience engagement opportunities.
