Miami is once again the stage for an innovative mash-up of visual and performing arts with "The Museum Plays" presented by Miami New Drama at the Rubell Museum. The event pairs short plays with selected works from the museum's vast art collection, providing theatergoers with an immersive and interactive experience until March 31.

According to a WSVN report, Michel Hausmann, the artistic brain behind Miami New Drama, has to successfully curated this project to draw people in for what can be described as 'the perfect date night'. People are split into guided groups to watch each 10-minute play, set against the backdrop of iconic American artwork. Hausmann explains, "‘Museum Plays’ is an experiment where we paired five world-class playwrights with five of the most iconic American artists of the Rubell collection."

The response from the audience has been largely positive. As Carmen Pelaez, one of the playwrights, told WSVN, "The response has been really positive. There was one gentleman that was like, 'Well, I don't agree at all,' and I was like, 'Well, fine.' We need that diversity of thought, whether we agree with it or not."

An Artburst Miami review highlighted individual plays, including "Bedfellows" by Rogelio Martinez, who cleverly weaves in various aspects of playwriting craft into his script. Martinez admits initially butting heads with Hausmann over drafts, a true testament to the artistic process. Especially moving is the inclusion of a recording of artist Kaari Upson's voice, enhancing the depth of the play as relayed by actor Caleb Scott.

Other notable works include "Waiting for America" by Carmen Pelaez and "Maybe Love" by Aurin Squire, which features a charged first date set against the bold and colorful canvas of Kehinde Wiley's paintings. The Miami New Drama production also features a final play, "Body of Work" by Marco Ramirez, observed by everyone together, bringing a satirical end to the artistic journey.

Despite some technical challenges, such as acoustics and lighting not ideally suited for theatrical performances, the plays were said to be precisely crafted for impact. Tickets for this unique blend of art and theater run from $45.50 for standing room to $91.50 for premium seating. For those eager to dive into this confluence of art forms, information is available at Miami New Drama's website.