Now in its third year, the program nurtures young playwrights. The program is part of the Public's ongoing Writers Initiative, which supports playwrights at various stages in their careers.

The 2009 group includes J. Julian Christopher, Deen, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Bridget Kelso, Mona Mansour, Vickie Ramirez, Jordan Seavey, Alena Smith and Kevin Christopher Snipes.

On Feb. 25 the Public will present An Evening of Excerpts, highlighting the work of all nine playwrights. The full-length readings will run March 1-April 26 at 7 PM. All presentations are free.

The March schedule is as follows:

Plucker by Alena Smith, directed by Sam Gold
March 1
"Ever since Alexis moved in with her boyfriend, her pet parrot has developed a problem. What's worse, Lee, the girl she's been flirting with, just showed up uninvited to the couple's first dinner party. And Lee might have bedbugs. And a secret past. Plucker is an old-school farce about a new generation dealing with the anxieties of commitment and co-habitation." Man Boobs by J. Julian Christopher
March 8
"Two men begin to share a night of passion until issues of obesity and self-esteem overpower their sexual and emotional connection."

Hiding in the Garden by Bridget Kelso
March 15
"Fifteen years ago, Cassie's son was sold away. Now that the Civil War is over and freedom has come, Cassie sets out with her husband to find him, picking up friends and strangers along the way. But everyone soon discovers that freedom means different things to different people."

Ashes, Ashes by Kevin Christopher Snipes, directed by Peter DuBois
March 22
"When Jeremy informs his wife that her best friend's husband might have made a pass at him, he sets off a sexually charged chain of events that threatens to tear both marriages apart. A biting dark comedy, Ashes, Ashes, gives new meaning to the phrase 'with friends like these, who needs enemies?'"

For free tickets, phone (212) 967-7555. The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan.

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