Actor John Leguizamo as Nelson in “The Other Americans” at Forest Laundromat. Courtesy of Tony Powell By Sheila Wickouski From fairy tales of genies granting three wishes to the circus with three rings, ‘good things come in threes’ is a familiar saying. This season, Arena Stage presents a triple treat, with […]
Arena Stage Kicks Off New Season with Tony-Award Winning Production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Yetunde Felix-Ukwu. Courtesy of Arena Stage By Sheila Wickouski On September 6, a new era will begin at Southwest’s Arena Stage. The first season programmed by new Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif will launch with the Tony-award winning comedy Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Written by celebrated Ghanaian-American playwright Jocelyn Bioh, […]
Arena Stage Announces New Season, First Lineup Under New Artistic Director
By Southwester Staff Arena Stage announced the ten shows that will comprise its 2024-2025 season, the first led by Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif. The company’s 74th season will feature a mix of new works and reimagined classics, including six world-premiere productions and collaborations with some of the nation’s leading […]
Arena Stage Honors U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson With The American Voice Award
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson speaks at Southwest DC’s Arena Stage while accepting the American Voice Award. Courtesy of Arena Stage By Southwester Staff Southwest DC’s Arena Stage presented their American Voice Award to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson earlier this year, as part of the […]
Southwest Neighborhood Assembly Honors Local Leader Charles “Chuck” Hicks, Celebrates Black History Month
By Isaac Welch On Monday, February 26, 2024, the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA) recognized activist and community organizer Charles “Chuck” Hicks with the Outstanding Leadership Award during their annual Black History Month Celebration. Held in the Molly Smith Study at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theatre, this […]
Hana S. Sharif Takes The Helm As Arena Stage Artistic Director
Hana S. Sharif. Photo by Chesire Isaac. Courtesy of Arena Stage. By Sheila Wickouski In April 2023, Arena Stage announced that Hana S. Sharif, a theater veteran with decades of experience at regional theaters including Hartford Stage, Baltimore Center Stage and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, would step in […]
Arena Stage Brings DC History to Life with New Show
Tempestuous Elements director Psalmayene 24. Courtesy Scott Suchman By Southwester Staff The life of Anna Julia Cooper, spanning over a century from 1858, when she was born into slavery in Raleigh, North Carolina to her death in 1964 in Washington DC, is one filled with dramatic moments. Tempestuous Elements, opening February […]