WASHINGTON, D.C.: Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has announced its digital 2021-22 season, dubbed Looking Forward. The upcoming season will expand on Arena’s commitment to championing diverse voices and serving artists and audiences on a national and local scale.
“It feels like a long journey into spring this year, but we have some wonderful new pieces that will illuminate and brighten our days with our raucous online program,” artistic director Molly Smith said in a statement. “I’m so excited to premiere two new films, Arena Riffs and Indigenous Earth Voices.”
Beginning in March, Arena will debut the three-part musical series Arena Riffs (March 17-April 14), which will feature three different composer/lyricist teams. The series will include the premiere of The Freewheelin’ Insurgents, written and directed by Psalmayene ‘Psalm’ 24. Arena Riffs will also include work by indie-folk duo the Bengsons and composer Rona Siddiqui.
Premiering in May, Indigenous Earth Voices will feature six stories focusing on subsistence, family traditions, land rights, myths and legends, regalia, treaties, and more. The pieces are based on interviews with tribal leaders and storytellers from throughout Canada and the U.S. Featured playwrights include Lee Cataluna, Dillon Chitto, Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, Mary Kathryn Nagle, and Madeline Sayet. Further details will be announced in March.
On June 18, Arena’s Voices of Now ensemble will premiere an additional theatrical film, following the success of last year’s original piece.
As previously announced, Arena Stage will also launch the Love Letter Experience, inspired by Dear Jack, Dear Louise by Ken Ludwig. The experience includes letters, photos, and telegrams handcrafted by the Arena Stage prop shop. Mailings will begin in early March, and patrons can expect all nine packets within six weeks.
Arena will also continue to offer virtual salons and classes catered to families, students, and emerging theatre artists.
Arena Stage is a national center dedicated to American voices and artists that present groundbreaking and diverse works from some of the best artists in the country.
