La Jolla Playhouse presents A Black-Billed Cuckoo
September 15-October 11, 2026
Mandell Weiss Forum
World-Premiere Play
Written by Mat Smart
Directed by Shelley Butler
“The birding community is like a secret society — and once you join, all of a sudden it feels as though practically everyone you meet is a member.” Jonathan Soroff
The elusive black-billed cuckoo is notoriously difficult to find, even if you know what you’re looking for — and that’s precisely the bird Ruth has been looking for these past few years. Over 24 hours in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, a close-knit birding group is turned upside down when some of its members glimpse this rare bird and others don’t.
Award-winning playwright Mat Smart — known for his “intricate, delightful comic drama” storytelling (The New York Times) — introduces us to a fascinating community of people who revel in the idea that any given day might bring something they’ve never seen before. Director Shelley Butler has worked extensively on new plays, creating “dynamic, charming, and laugh-filled” productions (BroadwayWorld).
The 13th play to make the leap from our DNA New Work Series to the stage, A Black-billed Cuckoo is a quiet comedy about healing, wonder and how to move on after missing out.
