TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Premieres 'The Employee Dharma Handbook'

New play explores identity, nepotism, and desire at a Silicon Valley aerospace company.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:37pm

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An abstract, minimalist composition of jagged, geometric shapes and bold black silhouettes, conceptually representing the themes of identity, nepotism, and desire within a high-tech corporate setting.A striking visual metaphor for the simmering tensions and high-stakes drama at the heart of 'The Employee Dharma Handbook'.Palo Alto Today

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley will open its 56th season with the world premiere of 'The Employee Dharma Handbook' by Geetha Reddy, directed by Snehal Desai. The bold, funny, and enlightening new work, which was a favorite at the company's 2025 New Works Festival, follows an HR executive who investigates a potential staffing issue at a Silicon Valley aerospace company and instead encounters simmering tensions of ancient origins amongst the company's Indian immigrant employees.

Why it matters

The play explores timely themes of identity, nepotism, and desire in the context of the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley technology companies, shedding light on the experiences of immigrant workers and the challenges they face.

The details

Set at a Silicon Valley aerospace company, 'The Employee Dharma Handbook' follows HR executive Val as she investigates a potential staffing issue amongst the lead engineers, suspecting sexism. Instead, she encounters simmering tensions of ancient origins amongst the company's Indian immigrant employees, which threaten to derail the company's upcoming rocket launch.

  • The world premiere will run from July 8 to August 2, 2026.
  • Previews will take place from July 8 to July 10, with opening night on July 11.
  • Performances will be held Tuesdays through Sundays, with matinee and evening shows.

The players

Geetha Reddy

The playwright of 'The Employee Dharma Handbook', whose previous works include 'Safe House' and 'Mahābhārata'.

Snehal Desai

The director of 'The Employee Dharma Handbook', who is the Brindell & Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director at Center Theatre Group.

Val

The HR executive character at the center of the play, who investigates a potential staffing issue at a Silicon Valley aerospace company.

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What’s next

Subscriptions for TheatreWorks' Season 56 are now available, with single tickets going on sale in May 2026.

The takeaway

This new play from TheatreWorks Silicon Valley promises to offer a thought-provoking exploration of the experiences of immigrant workers in the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley technology companies.