SEATTLE: Book-In Repertory Theatre has announced a 2020-21 season of online audio dramas, set to begin on Oct. 28. The season will consist of three short stories, which will be one episode each, and two longer works that will be serialized. This is Book-It’s first season under the leadership of artistic director Gus Menary.
“I am extremely proud of this season and this remarkable company that, in these unprecedented times, rose to the challenge of presenting a full slate of fantastic theatre,” said Menary in a statement. “Heralding some of the greatest authors to ever put pen to page, and a team of Seattle’s most exciting and inspired artists, Season 31 is brimming with work marked with heart, new perspectives, and thrilling adventure.”
The season will open with Childfinder (Oct. 28), by Octavia E. Butler and adapted by Shermona Mitchell. Gin Hammond will direct this story of a woman tasked with finding telepathic children and her goal to unleash the potential of one young girl.
Next up will be Oscar Wilde’s comedic ghost story, The Canterville Ghost (Dec. 8), adapted and directed by Brandon J. Simmons.
The season will continue with Mañanaland (Feb. 1, 2021), by Pam Muñoz Ryan and adapted by Gillian Jorgensen and Jordi Montes, a serialized story about a young boy who discovers his family’s legacy of mystical guardians. Arlene Martínez-Vázquez will direct.
Following will be The Effluent Engine (April 1, 2021), by N.K. Jemisin and adapted and directed by Jéhan Òsanyin, about a post-revolution Haitian spy sent to New Orleans to bring home technology and save a burgeoning nation.
The season will conclude with Jamyang Norbu’s The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes (May 15, 2021), adapted by Bilal Dardai. Menary will direct this serialized story about the famed detective’s time in India and Tibet where he faces what might be his most dangerous battle yet.
Book-It will also be offering interactive story kits, story adventure workshops, and skills workshops for teachers through its arts education department. Interactive experiences for the 2020-21 season include Octopus Stew (Oct. 15-Dec. 31), written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez; Dreamers (Jan. 2-March 3, 2021), written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales; Koala Lou (Feb. 1-April 30, 2021), by Mem Fox and illustrated by Pamela Lofts; and Possum Magic (April 1-May 30, 2021), by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivias.
Founded in 1990, Book-It Repertory Theatre is dedicated to bringing great literature and quality theatre to the stage.
