Mosaic Theater Company set for World Premier of Precarious
Mosaic Theater Company presents the world premiere of Precarious, a new comedy by Steinberg Award-winner Steph Del Rosso. Directed by Jaki Bradley^, performances run June 4 – 28, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.
Offering reflections on the climate crisis and generational divides, Precarious stars the acclaimed Kimberly Schraf as recently retired Vi, who is ready to chart a new path forward. But her daughter Tillie, portrayed by Helen Hayes winner Zoe Walpole*, and a summer heatwave seemingly stand in her way. Jonathan Del Palmer rounds out the cast as Tillie’s boyfriend Drew as the production navigates the complexity of familial relationships and what we choose to leave behind in a world transformed by climate change.
“I first encountered Steph Del Rosso’s work almost a decade ago when she was a Master’s student at UCSD and became an instant fan of her artistry, wit, and craft. She has gone on to build an impressive, growing canon of plays developed and produced around the country which makes this world premiere production especially poignant for me and impactful for Mosaic as we offer this celebrated writer her DC debut,” said Reginald L. Douglas, Artistic Director of Mosaic Theater. “Precarious is a play that reflects upon our ongoing climate crisis in a human and hilarious way as we watch two women from different generations and with different points of view find common ground. New work that sparks inspiring dialogue in the face of difference is at the core of Mosaic’s mission, making Precarious a wonderful culminating production for our 25/26 season. I can’t wait for audiences to join us this summer for this fresh and thoughtful new comedy about the joy and fear of starting a new chapter at any age.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to premiere Precarious at Mosaic — which has been such a champion of me and my work — and with Jaki Bradley, one of my dear friends and a brilliant collaborator,” remarked Steph Del Rosso. “I wrote the first draft of this play at an artist residency called Headlands, in the middle of a national recreation area just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. I thought a lot about the beauty of the landscape and how much it might change in years to come — from the sea levels to the habitats. I thought about what we pass on to future generations, including the traits and habits (good and bad) that get carried from mother to daughter. And about what (and who) gets lost. There is so much attention on the milestones of youth, but what about the journeys of women over 70, facing a different kind of self-discovery? I wanted to combine these preoccupations and also create a meaty role for an older actress. I can’t wait to share it all with the DC community.”
In December 2024, Mosaic Theater hosted a developmental workshop and reading of Precarious as part of its Community Engaged Theater Fund. This fund supports the development of new work that brings artists and community members together in the creative process and furthers conversations on social justice, racial diversity, and the importance of community. Partner organizations working on the front lines of the themes presented in the play — including local environmental organizations EmpowerDC, The GW Climate Health Institute, The Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center for Climate Integrity at Howard University, and WE ACT – For Environmental Justice — attended that reading and offered insightful feedback that has helped shape the script towards this premiere production.
Director Jaki Bradley stated, “I’ve loved Steph’s play since the moment I read it. As a director, I’m always drawn to plays that have a singular voice, and Precarious is just that. Steph has the rare ability as a writer to address issues we all care about — issues as big as motherhood and environmentalism — in a way that doesn’t feel didactic at all, and instead is filled with humor, humanity, and heart. I recognize myself in this play, and I think it’ll speak to anyone who is trying to figure out how to live an ethical life in the modern era. I’m thrilled to be directing this world premiere production and feel like Mosaic is the perfect home for Precarious.”
The creative and production team for Precarious includes Misha Kachman** (Scenic Designer); Jeannette Christensen** (Costume Designer); Minjoo Kim** (Lighting Designer); Kenny Neal (Sound Designer); Aoife Creighton (Props Designer); Shayna O’Neill* (Production Stage Manager); Isabella Tapia (Assistant Stage Manager); and Sierra Young (Intimacy and Violence Director).