In 2004, Ralph Abraham and Nina Wise began working together on a play based on Abraham's extensive research on the nature of paradigm shifts. In spring, 2006, the collaborating artists spent a month at the Djerassi Foundation where they continued to conduct research, brainstorm, and write.

In August, 2006, the Kepler Project premiered as a staged reading at the Bay Area Playwrights Festival in San Francisco. Rick Foster came on board as director and dramaturg.

In July 2007, the River Stage Playwright's Festival in Sacramento, produced a staged reading directed by Frank Condon. Many of the audience members were scientists and expressed a great deal of enthusiasm about the play.

In March, 2008, the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe produced a reading, directed by Acushla Bastible, as part of their “Under Construction” project. Over 350 people attended.

In April,2008, the Playwrights Foundation sponsored a reading at A Traveling Jewish Theater in San Francisco, directed by Acushla Bastible. Again the audience response was extremely positive.

With each reading, due in part to the brilliant feedback by dramaturg Rick Foster, the script has been further refined: the plot has thickened, the characters have deepened, and the music, arranged by Weber Iago, is now integrated in a way that enhances both the storyline and the emotional impact of the work.