Winner of Centre Stage’s 23rd Annual New Play Festival

World Premiere Production

What does it take to break the cycle—and begin again?

In Chrysalis, Mirage, a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy, is pulled into a surreal inner landscape where memory, trauma, and self-preservation collide. As she confronts fragmented versions of her past, Mirage is forced to reckon with what she has buried—and what healing might demand.

Poetic, intimate, and unflinchingly honest, Chrysalis is a memory play about survival, transformation, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s story. Moving between the past and present, reality and imagination, the play illuminates the long, nonlinear journey of healing—and the possibility of emerging stronger on the other side.

Selected from hundreds of submissions nationwide, Chrysalis was chosen by Centre Stage audiences as the standout work of the New Play Festival and now receives its full production premiere.

Content Advisory: Chrysalis explores themes of sexual assault, grooming and exploitation of a minor, emotional abuse, and suicide. These topics are central to the story and may be difficult for some viewers. Audience discretion is strongly advised. Resources and support information will be available.

CHRYSALIS is presented by special arrangement with the playwright, Gwyneth Strope.