Fair Play

Fair Play is a gripping theatrical exploration of the underside of women's athletics, written by Ella Road and directed by Deidra LaWan Starnes. The play follows Ann and Sophie as they seize a chance to become champions, only to find their relationships, bodies, and identities thrust into public scrutiny, raising the question of whether being exceptional comes at too high a price. This new work from the playwright of *The Phlebotomist*, hailed as “the most promising young playwright in Britain” by *The Telegraph*, is presented by 1st Stage with generous support from Jacqueline Cookston and Anne Nolan.

When: October 16 through November 9, 2026 (extended).

Showtimes: October 17 at 7:30pm; October 18 at 2pm and 7:30pm; October 19 at 2pm; October 23 at 7:30pm; October 24 at 7:30pm; October 25 at 2pm and 7:30pm; October 26 at 2pm; October 30 at 7:30pm; November 1 at 2pm and 7:30pm; November 2 at 2pm; November 6 at 7:30pm; November 7 at 7:30pm; November 8 at 2pm and 7:30pm; November 9 at 2pm.

Tickets: Available for purchase by clicking on a performance on the 1st Stage website. Price not available.

Written by: Ella Road.

Directed by: Deidra LaWan Starnes.

Cast: Mahkai Dominique as Ann, Camille Pivetta as Sophie, Sia Li Wright as understudy for Ann, Melissa Wilson as understudy for Sophie.

Design Team: Mark Costello as Projections Designer, Sarah Usary as Stage Manager, Marvin Brown as Assistant Director, Funmi Daramola as Track and Field Consultant, Sarah Beth Hall as Scenic Designer, Alberto Segarra as Lighting Designer, Jeri Marshall as Dialect Coach, Lorraine Ressegger as Intimacy Coordinator, Thom J. Woodward as Sound Designer, Cidney Forkpah as Costume Designer, Justin Nepomuceno as Props Designer.

Accessibility: Open captioned performances on October 23 at 7:30pm, October 24 at 7:30pm, October 25 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and October 26 at 2pm. Audio-described performance available. Mask required performance on October 25 at 7:30pm.

Community Conversations: Following the 2pm performances: October 18 – Meet the Design Team; October 19 – Meet the Director; October 25 – Meet the Cast in person; October 27 at 7:00pm – Meet the Cast on Zoom (register free).

Venue: 1st Stage.

Note: Photos by Teresa Castracane Photography.