Live & In Color returns to Salem this month to develop a new play and a new musical.

The play is “Goddesses Return to the Temple – Final Installment of a Sextrilogy” by Raquel Almazan, and the musical is “We Start in Manhattan” by Ariella Serur and Sav Souza.

Live & In Color is celebrating its ninth season of developing new and inclusive works of art. During this theatrical program, artists spend time in a rural retreat setting creating work that gives voice to underrepresented communities onstage.

Live & In Color is developing the newly commissioned “Goddesses” under the June Bingham New Playwright Commission. This commission opportunity honors the late June Bingham and provides resources and support toward the creation and development of a new play by early-career women/femme and/or non-binary storytellers. Almazan’s piece is loosely based on the life of Nina Hartley and inspired by her autobiography. This piece is inspired by the 30,000 BCE Venus of Willendorf statue and is embodied by an asexual, single, Latinx/e middle-aged pregnant womxn who seeks to know the ancient ways of womxn’s powers.

The reading, before an invited audience at 7 p.m. Sept. 6, will be directed by award-winning director Mei Ann Teo.

“We Start In Manhattan” will be directed by Raja Benz and Ellie Heyman, with music direction by Saul M. Nache. This musical blends cheeky humor with sincerity and vulnerability, centering around the queer and gender-expansive experience.

Staged readings of “We Start in Manhattan” will be free and open to the public at 3 p.m. Sept. 9 and 2 p.m. Sept. 10.

Both pieces will be presented at The Bingham Camp, 490 East Haddam Road, Salem. Seating is very limited, so reserve a ticket in advance at liveandincolor.org.

Both pieces contain frequent adult language and openly explore sexual content. Both are recommended for ages 18+.

Live & In Color was founded by Artistic Director Devanand Janki, whose career spans all facets of the performing arts – theater, opera, ballet, and corporate entertainment.