PlayPenn Presents: Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale)
Tue, Jul 15
|The Proscenium Theatre at The Drake
Join us for an intimate evening with acclaimed playwright Samuel D. Hunter, author of The Whale, originally a stage play developed at PlayPenn and later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, and Hong Chau.


Time & Location
Jul 15, 2025, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
The Proscenium Theatre at The Drake, 302 S Hicks St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
About The Event
Join us for an intimate talkback with acclaimed playwright Samuel D. Hunter, author of The Whale, originally a stage play developed at PlayPenn and later adapted into an Academy Award–winning film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, and Hong Chau. Fraser’s portrayal of Charlie earned him the Oscar for Best Actor.
Hunter is also the author of the acclaimed A Case for the Existence of God and Little Bear Ridge Road, which will star Laurie Metcalf in its upcoming Broadway production.
This special event is part of our 2025 New Play Development Conference and offers a unique opportunity to hear Sam discuss his creative process, the development of The Whale with PlayPenn, and other exciting updates from one of today’s most visionary American playwrights.
Seating is limited. Reserve your spot now for a powerful and inspiring conversation.