There’s something quietly radical about a play that asks audiences to slow down and listen — really listen — to the inner lives of strangers. That’s part of the intrigue behind Dear Alien, the new world premiere now playing at Houston’s Alley Theatre from acclaimed playwright Liz Duffy Adams.

In a city as dynamic as Houston, there are certain performances that feel less like entertainment and more like essential experiences.“Fences”—now on stage at the Alley Theatre—is one of them.