The New Orleans-based Erika Dickerson-Despenza is at work on a 10-part Katrina Cycle, in which she will explore climate change crises through plays about catastrophes in her city. The first in the cycle, shadow/land, focuses on a family fight: the mother, who has dementia, wants to keep the family’s theater Shadowland; her fatigued daughter wants to sell it. With Hurricane Katrina set to rip across the city, the daughter forces her mother to sign-off on sales papers. Stuck in New Orleans during the deadly winds and flooding, the streets congested as many attempt to fee, the two women continue to argue while battling the elements. In 2021, the Public premiered the play in an audio production. It now presents a complete live staging. —Jensen Davis