Mosaic Theater Presents Workshop of Emily Mann's Code Red

Mosaic Theater Company of DC is bringing a powerful new work to the stage this month with a workshop production of "Code Red," a play that examines the harsh realities facing educators in America's public school system. The production will be presented at Lab 2 Theater at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on October 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Code Red presented by Mosaic Theater Company at Atlas Performing Arts Center

Written and directed by Emily Mann, a two-time Tony Award nominee and American Theater Hall of Fame honoree, "Code Red" focuses on five women in rural upstate New York as they navigate the intersecting demands of teaching, parenthood, and friendship while confronting their deepest fears. The play explores how these women maintain their daily routines and professional responsibilities when the threat of violence has become normalized to the point of casual breakroom conversation. In Mann's hands, the question becomes urgent: how do normal people do their jobs when nothing is normal anymore?

The workshop presentations offer audiences a unique opportunity to engage directly with the creative process. Following each performance, Mann and the "Code Red" creative team will lead discussions about the development of the work, giving theatergoers insight into how a new play takes shape.

This production represents an innovative approach to theater development through Mosaic's Community Engaged Theater Fund. The program brings local community organizations and experts into the rehearsal room to serve as dramaturgs and partners, enriching the artistic work while building connections with new audiences. For "Code Red," Mosaic has partnered with local gun violence prevention organizations and educators, while Kaiser Permanente is providing resources through their Community Safety programs. The company previously used this model for their spring world premiere of "Precarious" by Steph Del Rosso.

"Mosaic is honored to present a workshop of Emily Mann's powerful new play, CODE RED," said Reginald L. Douglas, Mosaic Theater Artistic Director. "With compassion, courage, and unflinching honesty, Emily sheds light on the extraordinary resilience of teachers, parents, and communities living with the ever-present reality of school shootings. This workshop continues Mosaic's commitment to nurturing bold new work that speaks directly to the urgent questions of our time."

Mann emphasized the personal inspiration behind the work and her dedication to the educators who face unprecedented challenges. "It's a great privilege to be workshopping my new play at Mosaic, a theater committed to the creation of challenging new work for our times. I have dedicated Code Red to the brave teachers in our schools who risk their lives every day to teach our nation's children. The play is inspired by women I know well. Smart, funny, brave and tenacious, I hope the audience comes to love and care about them as much as I do. They are America's unsung heroes," said playwright and director Emily Mann.

Tickets are available now at mosaictheater.org, priced at $25 for the general public and $15 for Mosaic Theater subscribers. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is located at 1333 H Street NE in Washington, DC. Given the limited run of just two performances and the opportunity to participate in post-show discussions with the creative team, early ticket purchase is recommended for this special theatrical event.