BETHESDA, MD.: Round House Theatre has announced its 2020-21 programming, featuring digital plays, an online festival, and three in-person shows this spring.
“This fall and winter are all about exploring new ways to tell stories and interact with audiences,” said artistic director Ryan Rilette in a statement. “Rather than a diminished version of what we would produce in person, everything we’re programming is the best of what digital can do, in both form and content.”
The season will kick off with American Dreams (Oct. 5-11), created by writer Leila Buck and director Tamilla Woodard. The interactive show imagines a world where the only way to gain U.S. citizenship is by competing in a televised game show, and audience members participate in the selection process with polls and questions.
Next up will be The Work of Adrienne Kennedy: Inspiration & Influence (Nov. 14–Dec. 12), presented in association with McCarter Theatre Center, a four-week festival celebrating the playwright. The online lineup will feature He Brought Her Heart Back in a Box, Sleep Deprivation Chamber, Ohio State Murders, and the world premiere of Etta and Ella on the Upper West Side.
Following will be the world premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s The Catastrophist (Jan. 2021), a co-production with Marin Theatre Company. The one-person play is about virologist Nathan Wolfe, the playwright’s husband, and his efforts to track and combat global outbreaks.
Round House also plans to present three in-person shows in the spring of 2021 in accordance with local guidelines for safety. In addition to the productions, Round House Theatre Education will offer virtual programming for students of all ages.
“Round House has been working hard to develop a new season of rich, dynamic programming for our community ever since early June when we announced the suspension of in-person performances for 2020,” said managing director Ed Zakreski in a statement. “Though we can’t wait to welcome everyone back into the theatre when it is safe to do so, we are also excited to use virtual programming as an opportunity to respond to our ever-changing world and foster meaningful conversations with more people than ever.”
Round House Theatre, founded in 1978, presents modern classics and musicals at its 400-seat theatre.
