The three-week Marathon 2008, running May 8-June 28, presents short works from emerging and established playwrights. Grouped in three different series, the works will be performed in rotating repertory.

The playwrights who will be represented include David Auburn, Lewis Black, Michael Feingold, Michael John Garcés, Frank D. Gilroy, Amy Herzog, Neil LaBute, Quincy Long, Taylor Mac, Willie Reale & Patrick Barnes, Jacquelyn Reingold, José Rivera, Lloyd Suh, Anne Washburn, and David Zellnik.

E.S.T. artistic director William Carden said in a statement, "People forget that thirty years ago, before the E.S.T. Marathon, no one did one-act plays. So, in that sense, over the years, the Marathon has given birth to a craze. But three decades later it is still the most respected and sought-after forum for one-act plays. This year's roster reflects that legacy since it combines new plays by established award-winners like David Auburn and Neil LaBute with gifted newcomers like Amy Herzog, Anne Washburn, Lloyd Suh, elder statesmen like Frank Gilroy and José Rivera, and some true originals like Lewis Black and Taylor Mac. In all its diversity, it is an event designed to celebrate the one-act in every dimension, giving voice to fifteen playwrights in one festival.” This year's roster reflects that legacy since it combines new plays by established award-winners like David Auburn and Neil LaBute with gifted newcomers like Amy Herzog, Anne Washburn, Lloyd Suh, elder statesmen like Frank Gilroy and José Rivera, and some true originals like Lewis Black and Taylor Mac. In all its diversity, it is an event designed to celebrate the one-act in every dimension, giving voice to fifteen playwrights in one festival."

The list of presented works in each series follows:

Series A: An Upset by David Auburn (dir. Harris Yulin); Christmas Present by Amy Herzog (dir. RJ Tolan); A Little Soul-Searching by Willie Reale, music by Patrick Barnes (dir. Evan Cabnet); Tostitos by Michael John Garcés (dir. May Adrales); and Wedding Pictures by Quincy Long (dir. Kathleen Dimmick). Series B: The Great War by Neil LaBute (dir. Andrew McCarthy); Okay by Taylor Mac; Happy Birthday William Abernathy by Lloyd Suh; Ideogram by David Zellnik (dir. Abigail Zealy Bess); and October/November by Anne Washburn.

Series C: In Between Songs by Lewis Black; Japanoir by Michael Feingold; Piscary by Frank D. Gilroy; Flowers by José Rivera; and A Very Very Short Play by Jacquelyn Reingold (dir. Jonathan Bernstein).

Performances take place evenings at 7 PM with 2 PM Saturday matinees. For tickets and complete schedule of performances, visit www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org or phone (212) 352-3101.

The Ensemble Studio Theatre is located at 549 West 52nd Street in Manhattan.