For those who’ve ever felt such as you have been stumbling round, ready for an indication, and attempting to make sense of what’s occurring, you then’ll know precisely what the actors will expertise whereas performing Oedipus in Seattle, a play by Savannah Reich, receiving its DC premiere in an impartial manufacturing by Chad Dexter Kinsman. Sound design and unique music are by Douglas Vento.
A theatrical mashup of Sophocles’ historic Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex and the 1993 rom-com Sleepless in Seattle, the play options two new actors every night time who’ve by no means rehearsed or learn the script. To carry out the present, they may obtain auditory directions from headphones, guiding them by the hour-long efficiency with prompts, questions, and duties.
The three-night-only occasion takes place October 10, 11, and 12 at Studio 1469 in Columbia Heights. Performances start at 7pm and run roughly 60 minutes with no intermission.
“I’m excited to deliver Savannah’s uncommon, foolish, and provocative present to DC, a metropolis the place fateful choices are made virtually day by day,” Dex, the producer, says. “Via my Theater District podcast, I’ve had inspiring conversations with artists and directors who make their life and work right here, obstacles and alternatives included. Oedipus in Seattle is in some ways my providing to this wonderful neighborhood of theater makers and goers.”
From historic Greek tragedies to fashionable romantic comedies, people have all the time created tales about future, and characters who will find yourself successful or shedding regardless of how laborious they attempt to escape their destiny. Oedipus in Seattle is a present about future, and the uncertainty of residing a life with out one.
“This manufacturing is the primary time that an impartial producer has put the present up with out my involvement,” Reich, the author, shares. “The thought is that the present is a machine that anybody can run, given the supplies, and I’d wish to ship it throughout the nation. I’m so thrilled that Dex has taken the leap to be our check case!”
Two new actors will carry out the present every night time, with out rehearsing or studying the script prematurely. Martina Schabron and Dylan Arredondo carry out Saturday, October 10; James J. Johnson and Erika Rose carry out Sunday, October 11; and Kimberly Gilbert and Jacob Yeh carry out on Monday, October 12.
Along with answering questions and performing easy duties, the actors will assume the roles of Oedipus, Jocasta, Meg Ryan, and Tom Hanks, with the casting determined by random probability.
Oedipus in Seattle runs October 10, 11, and 12, 2026 (all performances at 7:00 PM), at Studio 1469, 1469 Harvard St NW, Washington, DC 20009 — blocks from Metro’s Inexperienced/Yellow Line cease at Columbia Heights. Entrance is by way of the alley off fifteenth Avenue between Harvard Avenue and Columbia Highway. All seats are common admission all through the run, and tickets ($19.93) could also be bought on-line.
