Closing Soon: Theatre Nova presents RADICAL EMPATHY by David Wells

Encore Staff Writer
Aug 21
3 min read

ANN ARBOR, MI – Theatre NOVA, Ann Arbor’s resident nonprofit professional theatre specializing in new plays presents the World Premiere of "Radical Empathy" by Ann Arbor playwright, David Wells, running Aug 1-24, 2025.

When an American college professor’s TED Talk on empathy goes viral, he meets an Iraqi man who becomes a fixture in his virtual classroom. But when the brutality of the U.S.-led invasion hits the Iraqi man directly, the professor is forced to explore “the kindred connection from a place of deep knowing that opens your spirit to the pain of another as they perceive it.” (Isabel Wilkerson)

A true story.

Carla Milarch, Founding Artistic Director, says: "I am very proud to have been the leading producer of Dave Wells’ plays over the past 10 years. His plays are always beloved by NOVA audiences, for their humor, strong sense of justice, and for their (yes) empathy. His play “Mazel Tov, John Lennon” (also starring Phil Powers) is often mentioned as an historical audience favorite. His newest play “Radical Empathy,” couldn’t be more timely.”

Briana O’Neal, director, adds: ““Radical Empathy” is a powerful exploration of what it truly means to understand another human being’s lived experience. It asks us not just to witness someone else's pain, but to let it change us. I believe audiences will leave the theatre thinking differently about their place in the world.”

The cast features Jeannine Coughlin, Maya Gangadharan, Fedor Kinaya, and *Phil Powers. Directed by Briana O’Neal (director), the production team includes Craig Hane (set), Jade Guerriero (lights), Micha Victoria (costumes), Kennikki Jones-Jones (sound), and Elise Blochwitz (stage manager).

“Radical Empathy” will run Aug 1 through Aug 24 at Theatre NOVA (410 W Huron St, Ann Arbor). Performances are Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $30, $25 for 65 and over and $15 for students with student IDs at the door.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.TheatreNOVA.org or in person one hour before each performance. Seating in the theater will begin 30 minutes before each performance. There is ample free parking and quick access to the city’s restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops.

New patrons can find Theatre NOVA across Huron Street from Ann Arbor’s YMCA through a parking lot entrance on the north side of the street.

Theatre NOVA’s mission is to raise awareness of the value and excitement of new plays and playwrights and to provide resources for playwrights to develop their craft by importing, exporting, and developing new work. This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, the Shubert Foundation, and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT

FOR THE ARTS.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary season, Theatre NOVA proudly presents a full lineup of six world-premiere productions, highlighting the organization’s decade-long commitment to championing the importance of new plays and emerging playwrights. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to join us in celebrating a milestone year with some of the most innovative and thought-provoking new works yet!