Directed by Joy Nesbitt
Table Read: The Humans by Stephen Karam
Sunday 14 December, 5pm
Vernon Studio at Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM)
Tickets: €5
Following the success of Irish Theatre Institute’s Table Read readings — Infinite Life by Annie Baker and Downstate by Bruce Norris — Irish Theatre Institute is thrilled to announce the third event in this dynamic new series: The Humans by Stephen Karam, directed by Joy Nesbitt.
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, The Humans is a sharply observed, darkly funny, and deeply compassionate portrait of an American family gathered for Thanksgiving dinner. Over the course of one evening in a cramped New York apartment, Karam masterfully unravels the tenderness, tension, and quiet resilience that bind us together.
This script-in-hand reading will feature an outstanding ensemble of Irish actors (to be announced soon).
The evening concludes with a post-show reception, offering audiences and artists the chance to connect, reflect, and continue the conversation.
About the Director: Joy Nesbitt
Joy Nesbitt is a writer and director from Dallas, Texas, now based in London. Her work explores Black femininity and postcolonial imagination across stage and screen in the UK, Ireland, and the US. A graduate of The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art, Joy has directed for the Abbey Theatre, Bush Theatre, Talawa Theatre, Project Arts Centre, and Rough Magic Theatre Company. She was named one of The Irish Times and Sunday Times‘ “Ones to Watch in 2024.”
As a playwright, Joy’s work has been produced at venues including the Royal Court Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. She will make her Royal Court debut as a playwright with her new play Blood of My Blood in October 2026.
What is Table Read?
Table Read is a new actor-focused initiative by Irish Theatre Institute that champions creative risk-taking, discovery, and conversation. It centres the actor’s voice and brings together artists and audiences to explore powerful contemporary work in a shared collaborative space. Come along, be part of the room, and help shape the conversation.
Curated by Shane O’Reilly, Table Read is developed and managed by the Irish Theatre Institute.
Join us for an intimate night of exceptional writing, performance, and community.