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The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) has unveiled its lineup for the upcoming 25/26 Season, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 40th year of delivering classic narratives in Washington, D.C. This season offers audiences two notable works by William Shakespeare, including the renowned tragedy Othello, which will be helmed by STC’s Artistic Director Simon Godwin and feature Wendell Pierce, famous for his roles in acclaimed productions like Elsbeth and The Wire, as the titular character.
Kicking off the season at Harman Hall is Merry Wives, a fresh adaptation by Jocelyn Bioh. In this retelling, set within a lively West African immigrant community in South Harlem, the infamous Shakespearean character Sir John Falstaff finds himself amidst a world that challenges his schemes. Taylor Reynolds, an innovative and celebrated director, will make her STC directorial debut with Merry Wives, following her success in previous engagements at both Studio and Signature Theatres.
Subsequent to Merry Wives, the season continues with The Wild Duck, a significant work by Henrik Ibsen that hasn’t been seen at STC for nearly a decade. Adapted by David Eldridge and directed by Simon Godwin in the Klein Theatre, this production delves into intricate family dynamics and the profound implications of truth, establishing it as a compelling revisit of Ibsen’s legacy, now enhanced by a collaboration with Theatre for a New Audience (TFANA). Notably, this production marks Ibsen’s fifth appearance on the STC stage, solidifying his status as the theatre’s most frequently produced playwright after Shakespeare.
As the holiday season approaches, audience members can anticipate a lively rendition of Guys and Dolls, directed by Francesca Zambello, who is also the Artistic Director of the Washington National Opera. This beloved Tony Award-winning musical follows the story of Nathan Detroit, who faces challenges in keeping his floating crap game afloat amidst romantic entanglements with Sky Masterson and the earnest Sarah Brown. Choreographer Joshua Bergasse will bring his expertise to the production, creating a festive atmosphere that will resonate with classic musical numbers.
Stepping into the new year, audiences will be treated to On Beckett, a thought-provoking one-man show performed by the charismatic Bill Irwin. Renowned for his work in theatre and television, Irwin presents a unique examination of Samuel Beckett’s writings, blending humor with a deep exploration of the texts, ensuring both seasoned fans and newcomers to Beckett’s work find something to appreciate.
Following this, STC will host the U.S. premiere of Hamnet, presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel by Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Erica Whyman, the narrative poignantly explores the tragic loss of Hamnet, the son of Agnes and William Shakespeare, and its unsettling effect on the family while showcasing the profound creativity that arose from their grief.
To close out the season, Simon Godwin will return to direct Othello, featuring Wendell Pierce in a powerful portrayal of Shakespeare’s tragic figure. This production promises to confront the themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal, revealing the destructive power of words in a world filled with deceit and unexpected twists.
Merry Wives
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Jocelyn Bioh
Directed by Taylor Reynolds
SEP 9 – OCT 5
Harman Hall
This lively adaptation brings William Shakespeare’s farce into the contemporary setting of Harlem, where the infamous Falstaff tries to woo two cunning West African wives who are on to his schemes. With their husbands suspicious and tensions rising, the wives execute a clever plan to expose the would-be seducer, demonstrating that “wives may be merry, and yet honest too.” Taylor Reynolds’s directorial debut at STC will mark a memorable regional premiere of this spirited reimagining.
The Wild Duck
By Henrik Ibsen
Adapted by David Eldridge
Directed by Simon Godwin
OCT 18 – NOV 16
Klein Theatre
Produced in Association with Theatre for a New Audience
The narrative revolves around a young girl attempting to shelter a delicate soul from the harsh realities imposed by adults, as the eccentric son of a wealthy businessman disrupts everything in a bid to reveal hidden truths within his friend’s life. Under the direction of Simon Godwin, this timeless tale reveals Ibsen’s acute insights into the human condition, reaffirming his stature as one of the greatest dramatists.
Guys and Dolls
Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Choreographed by Joshua Bergasse
Directed by Francesca Zambello
DEC 2 – JAN 4
Harman Hall
Nathan Detroit faces a significant challenge when his well-established floating crap game is put in jeopardy. Complications arise when high-roller Sky Masterson is tasked with winning the heart of the straightlaced Salvation Army missionary, Sarah Brown, all amidst classic musical numbers. Prepare for a delightful experience filled with unforgettable tunes as this classic comes to life under Zambello’s direction and Bergasse’s choreography.
On Beckett
Conceived and performed by Bill Irwin
An Irish Repertory Theatre Production, Produced in association with Octopus Theatricals
FEB 11 – MAR 8
Klein Theatre
In this animated exploration of Samuel Beckett’s work, Tony Award-winner Bill Irwin brings an engaging blend of humor and insightful analysis, utilizing minimal props to uncover the layers of Beckett’s stories. His approach promises a joyous journey through the complexities of Beckett’s rich tapestry of language and emotion, appealing to audiences both young and old.
Hamnet
by Maggie O’Farrell
Presented by The Royal Shakespeare Company and Neal Street Productions
Adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti
Directed by Erica Whyman
MAR 17 – APR 12
Harman Hall
This poignant tale focuses on the aftermath of losing Hamnet, examining the profound effects of grief on Agnes and William Shakespeare. The Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of O’Farrell’s emotionally evocative novel promises a deeply moving theatrical experience, brought vividly to life by director Erica Whyman.
Othello
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Simon Godwin
MAY 19 – JUN 21
Harman Hall
In this intense and gripping portrayal, Simon Godwin directs Wendell Pierce in a rendering of Shakespeare’s tragedy that highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and manipulation. The storyline reveals the ramifications of Iago’s seductive machinations, drawing audiences into a narrative where trust unravels and tragedy unfolds.
Source
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