The in-development documentary play "is about the issue of asylum in the United States. De Novo focuses on four true stories of refugees from around the world whose pleas for relief from persecution have been denied. The piece, which weaves together interviews, trail transcripts and documentary material, puts a human face on the many aliens in deportation proceedings while allowing the public the opportunity to judge these cases for themselves," according to press notes. An event in the Acoustic Theater series will be presented Feb. 17 at 9 PM. The series features play readings paired with songs from emerging singer-songwriters. Writers planning to participate in the coming months include Clay McLeod Chapman, Zayh Dorn, Quincy Long and Mark O'Donnell (Tony winner for co-writing the Hairspray book). Other upcoming dates in the series are March 17 and April 14.

Makor will also stage a reading from the Jewish theatre group BIMA-NY on Feb. 26 at 7 PM.

Makor is the umbrella for events at the 92nd Street Y's Steinhardt Building at 35 West 67th Street. For more information visit www.92Y.org.