Join Our Monday Play Readings
March 2, 2026 at 6:30:00 PM
Oh Mary! by Cole Escola
A breakout hit of 2024, this riotous, campy reimagining of history centers on Mary Todd Lincoln in the chaotic weeks leading up to her husband’s assassination. Far from the stoic figure found in textbooks, this Mary is a frustrated cabaret star trapped in the White House, grappling with unrequited dreams and a very distracted "Abe." Escola’s play is a brilliantly absurd comedy that subverts historical drama with razor-sharp wit.
March 9, 2026 at 6:30:00 PM
Mary Page Marlowe by Tracy Letts
In this 2016 drama, Tracy Letts constructs a poignant portrait of an "ordinary" woman by jumping through different pivotal moments in her life, portrayed by multiple actors. From her childhood in Ohio to her complicated roles as a mother and wife, the play pieces together the fragments of a single existence. It is a quiet, devastatingly beautiful examination of the choices that define us and the hidden depths within a seemingly quiet life.
March 16, 2026 at 6:30:00 PM
An Innocent Little Murder by Jean Pierre Martinez
In this 2014 biting absurdist comedy, Jean-Pierre Martinez deconstructs the monotony of domestic life through a dangerous game of "what if" that spirals rapidly out of control. When a bored couple decides to pass the time by inventing a fictional murder, the line between harmless roleplay and genuine malice begins to blur, exposing the simmering resentments hidden beneath their suburban respectability. It is a sharp, cynical, and fast-paced exploration of the masks we wear in relationships and the unsettling ease with which ordinary people can contemplate the unthinkable.
March 23, 2026 at 6:30:00 PM
RENT by Jonathan Larson (MUSICAL)
Since its groundbreaking debut in 1996, RENT has stood as a seminal tribute to the power of community. Set at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City’s East Village, a group of bohemian artists struggles to create, love, and survive under the shadow of poverty. Based loosely on La Bohème, Larson’s rock musical is a vibrant, heartbreaking celebration of "measuring your life in love."
March 30, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson
Forbidden from using the observatory’s "Great Refractor" telescope, Henrietta Leavitt must navigate the rigid societal boundaries of her time to pursue her own scientific breakthroughs. While working as a "human computer" tasked with mapping the stars without recognition, her ambition only grows. Silent Sky is a radiant, deeply human story of brilliance, sacrifice, and the sheer passion required to rewrite our map of the night sky.
April 13, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
CLUE! by Sandy Rustin
Adapted in 2017 from the iconic 1985 film and the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE: On Stage brings the mystery to the stage in a whirlwind of slapstick and suspense. Six eccentric guests gather at a remote mansion for a dinner party, only to find themselves suspects in a mounting body count. It is a high-energy, nostalgic farce that keeps the audience guessing "whodunnit" with every secret passage and lead pipe.
April 27, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
Boiler Room Six - A Titanic Story by Tom Foreman
Debuting in 2018, this play shifts the focus away from the luxury of the upper decks to the tragic final hours of the Titanic as seen by the men in the bowels of the ship. As the water rises, the stokers in Boiler Room Six must make impossible choices to keep the power running. It is a harrowing, claustrophobic drama that honors the unsung bravery of the working class in the face of catastrophe.
July 13, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
Newcomers Evening - FARRAGUT NORTH by Nevin George
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August 31, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
Jekyll & Hyde (MUSICAL) by Leslie Bricusse
Since its 1990 premiere, this gothic musical has captivated audiences with its exploration of the dual nature of man. Dr. Henry Jekyll’s quest to chemically separate "good" from "evil" backfires, giving birth to the murderous Edward Hyde and terrorizing the streets of Victorian London. It is a sweeping, romantic, and tragic exploration of the monsters we create when we try to play God.
December 14, 2026 at 6:30:00 PM
Newcomers Evening by Creative Team
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Our popular ZEST Monday Readings are a fantastic way to explore diverse scripts, connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts, and get to know our community in a relaxed, informal setting. Held almost every Monday evening at St. Andrew's Community Centre in central Zurich, these sessions are a cornerstone of ZEST.
What To Expect
Our Monday Readings are a unique way to experience the world of theatre. Here's a quick look at what happens:
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Relaxed and Informal: We read scripts in hand, without rehearsals, sets, or costumes. The focus is on discovery and fun.
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Open to Everyone: These sessions are for both ZEST members and those curious about joining. Anyone who understands and speaks English is welcome.
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Getting Involved: Newcomers are never pressured to read. You're welcome to simply listen, and you can speak to a committee member at any time if you'd like to get more involved.
Ready to Dive In?
There's no need to sign up in advance. Simply check our calendar for the next session and come along!
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Time: Sessions typically start around 19:30, with an informal get-together starting at 19:00.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter for newcomers to get the latest news and invitations.
Support Our Community
These readings are a great way to experience ZEST, but they are just the beginning. The sessions are organized by members, for members. By becoming a ZEST member, you help support our community and the production of our plays.

























