Recipient of the the 2018 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award, Nonsense and Beauty by Scott C. Sickles follows the eminent British novelist E.M. Forster as his romance with Bob Buckingham, a policeman 23 years his junior, falls prey to his fear of discovery. After Bob marries May, a compassionate young woman, Forster remains ensnared in a turbulent and unique love triangle until his death nearly 40 years later. Based on a true story, Nonsense and Beauty captures the wit and wisdom of one of the last century’s great writers.

OR, focuses on the life of Aphra Behn, who was a poet, spy, lover, and the first professional female playwright.

The year is 1666, and Aphra has a shot at a production at one of only two London companies, if she can only finish her play by morning despite interruptions from sudden new love, actress Nell Gwynne; complicated royal love, King Charles II; and very dodgy ex-love, double-agent William Scott—who may be in on a plot to murder the king in the morning. Can Aphra save Charles’ life, win William a pardon, explore Nell’s charms, and launch her career, all in one night?

Mixing historical characters, contemporary language, restoration flourishes, and theatrical mayhem, Adams tells an uproarious tale that celebrates the resilience of women, the wonder of creativity, the joy of sexuality, and the healing power of laughter.