SAN DIEGO, CALIF.: Diversionary Theatre has announced its 2015–16 season, curated by the new artistic director Matthew M. Morrow, including a world premiere musical, three West Coast premieres and a San Diego premiere.
“I am beyond pleased to present a season of nothing but new, forward-thinking premieres for San Diego audiences,” said Morrow in a statement. “The selected playwrights speak to the complicated and dizzying world around us in a profound, exciting and original way. These pieces can help us connect to each other and the ever-changing and beautiful LGBT experience, yet are extremely inclusive to the larger community.”
The season begins with the West Coast premiere of Jordan Harrison’s dark comedy Amazons and Their Men (Sept. 3–Oct. 4), about the politics, artistic process and persecution of gays during the Holocaust. Morrow will make his Diversionary directorial debut with the work.
Next is the West Coast premiere of Tanya Barfield’s Bright Half Life (Oct. 29–Nov. 29), about two women’s relationship through snapshots of scenes spanning a 40-year period. Lydia Fort will direct.
Just in time for the holiday season is Paula Vogel’s musical pageant A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration in Concert (Dec. 10–Jan. 3, 2016), about the hope, humor and peace of Americans during our country’s deepest conflict. Kim Strassburger will direct.
Next will be the West Coast premiere of Christopher Shinn’s Now or Later (Feb. 11–March 13, 2016), about a presidential candidate and his potential demise as controversial photos of his son are released on election night. Morrow will direct this West Coast premiere.
Completing the season will be the world premiere of The Boy Who Danced on Air (May 5– June 12, 2016), composed by Tim Rosser and Charlie Sohne. The musical is about two young men who challenge Bacha Bazi, an Afghan tradition in which wealthy men purchase boys from poor families and parade them at parties as their property. The production will be directed by Chay Yew and choreographed by Nejla Yatkin.
