The Italian American Playwrights Series part 4

The Italian American Playwrights Series aims to spotlight authentic Italian American voices and stories that reflect the diverse experiences, heritage, and cultural intersections of the Italian American community. Five selected plays are given a public reading at Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimo’ at NYU and at the Calandra Institute for Italian American Studies.

Five Degrees Above Polaris by Karen Howes

Set in 1847, this witty historical comedy follows American astronomer Maria Mitchell as she travels to Rome to claim credit for discovering a comet—only to find herself caught in an Italian uprising, tangled with priests, professors, and passionate revolutionaries. Five Degrees Above Polaris blends science, faith, and Italian spirit in a story about recognition, resilience, and transformation.

Karen Howes is an award-winning playwright and lyricist whose works have been produced nationwide. Winner of the Bennett Prize for Best Comedy and the Mach33 New Science-Driven Play Award, she writes with heart, humor, and intellect. Her plays have been finalists for over two dozen national competitions, including the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and the Woodward/Newman Constellation Prize.

Organizers: Kairos Italy Theater, Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimo’ at NYU and the Calandra Institute for Italian American Studies. The series is supported in part by UNICO-Broohaven.

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Host or Publisher KIT-Kairos Italy Theater