The New Group has announced the debut of FreeFest, a weeklong festival of free play readings and panel discussions, featuring new works that embrace radical expression.  The festival, a new venture in the New Group/New Works program, will provide a public platform for artists to showcase their creative expression and further their writing process. Conceived and curated by The New Group’s Director of Artistic Projects Shariffa Ali, the inaugural festival will feature free readings of two plays and one musical: Culture Shock, by Gloria Majule, directed by Shariffa Ali; Bocking by Preston Crowder, directed by Stevie Walker-Webb; and Rocky Mountain High: A New Comedy Musical, with Book & Lyrics by Kia Beth Kofron & Cooper Kofron and Music by Mark Hollmann & Drew Gasparini, directed by Marc Acito. The Artistic Producer of Freefest is Adrian Alea. The readings will feature Malachi Beasley, Shuga Cain, Marchánt Davis, Rebecca L. Hargrove, Amandla Jahava, Gizel Jimenez, PJ Johnnie, Abigail Onwunali, Brad Oscar, Nomé Sidone, Sis, Jason Tam, Aurelia Williams, and others to be announced. A dedicated panel discussion will accompany each reading, giving a forum for artists and audiences to engage with the themes and issues highlighted in each work. The festival runs June 14 thru June 16, 2023 with readings taking place at 4:00 PM on each day at The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center. To learn more, visit  thenewgroup.org/FreeFest. Press contact: Bridget Klapinski/Seven 17 Public Relations (347/246-6182)...