Indiana Repertory Theatre’s (IRT) resident playwright is working on a stage adaptation of “The War of the Worlds” — among other things.
Current James Still Playwright-in-Residence Jessica Huang announced plans to develop H. G. Wells’ science fiction survival story for the IRT stage as part of her three-year residency. Huang is slated to begin working on the adaptation later this May while participating in The New Harmony Project’s 2025 Annual Writers’ Residency. The IRT will then host a public reading during its 2026-2027 season to share the progress, according to a press release.
“While working with IRT on the idea for this commission, our thought was to figure out a known title that could withstand a creative reimagining and would benefit from an exploration of themes and characters that are important to me,” Huang said in a statement. “As global unrest, natural catastrophes, and other almost otherworldly dystopic events are making headlines, I became more and more excited about this title. My adaptation will touch on themes of individualism and community, survival, and what it means to stay human in a moment of full-blown disaster. It’ll also be eerie, thrilling, and hopefully inspiring, life affirming, and fun!”
Originally written in the late 1800s, Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” details the conflict between humans and Martians following the devastating impact of an alien invasion. Several interpretations of the story warn of the dangers of imperialism, colonization and rampant anti-immigration rhetoric — including Orson Welles’ 1938 radio play, which aired amid the global rise of fascism, and Steven Spielberg’s 2005 film adaptation.
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In addition to working on the adaptation, Huang is also in the process of co-writing “10 Things I Hate About You,” a stage musical adaptation of the 1999 film, alongside Lena Dunham. The retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” will also feature an original score by Carly Rae Jepsen and Ethan Gruska.
“Mother of Exiles,” Huang’s original play, will also have its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre during the 2025-2026 season.
“Jessica is a remarkable writer who I have admired for over a decade. Being a small part of her career blossoming is a true honor,” Benjamin Hanna, IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director, said in a statement. “Our hope for this commission is that the play resonates across the American Theatre and brings new life to an important piece of classical literature. I look forward to audiences witnessing Jessica’s poetic and imaginative adaptation and sharing the world premiere with audiences in Indianapolis.”
For more information about the IRT, visit irtlive.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
