This is an anthology of the most exciting and dynamic plays being presented in the United States independent theatre scene. Theatre is an abstract place, where philosophies are debated, ideas and identities are deconstructed; where people entertain or learn from each other, in which meaning is simultaneously made and evaluated. === Theatre festivals have been popping up all around the United States. Many budding playwrights will have one or two snd more productions in a festival prior to landing a slot with a company's mainstage season. Many Off-Off- Broadway theatre troupes produce EXCLUSIVELY in festivals due to the low financial risk and ability to reach a wider audience. Some festivals represented in this volume may not have received much national attention; others certainly have.