Italian American Playwrights Series: “The Rules” by Domenick Scudera

The Italian American Playwrights Series aims to spotlight authentic Italian American voices and stories that reflect the diverse experiences, heritage, and cultural intersections of the Italian American community. Five selected plays are given a public reading at Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò at NYU and at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute.

The Rules by Domenick Scudera is a sharp, funny, and heartfelt drama about two estranged brothers–one a Long Island mechanic, the other a successful drag performer–reunited for their mother’s funeral. Their car ride home becomes a reckoning with tradition, masculinity, and unconditional love.

Domenick Scudera is a playwright, director, and performer based in Philadelphia. A professor of theater at Ursinus College, he has written numerous plays produced across the United States. His work often explores queerness, family, and identity. Scudera was born and raised in Massapequa, NY, to Sicilian and Barese parents.

The reading is directed by Emma Denson and will be followed by a discussion with the playwright. Organizers: Kairos Italy Theater, Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò at NYU, and the Calandra Italian American Institute. The series is supported in part by UNICO-Brookhaven.