Off-Broadway's 59E59 Theaters has revealed the lineup of productions for its fall 2024 season.
Programming will kick off with What Doesn't Kill You, presented by New Jersey Repertory Company in association with Vasi Laurence Productions and M. Green Productions; followed by Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library, presented by Luna Stage; Thistles, presented by White Horse Theater Company in association with Anthony W. Lopez; and the return of Alexander Klaus, the One-Legged Shoemaker Man, presented by Christian Hege, Epyllionard, after performing in East to Edinburgh 2023.
The season will continue in January with Radio Downtown: Radical '70s Artists Live on Air, presented by The Civilians; and Pecking Order, presented by American Bard Theater Company.
59E59’s Off Broadway Resident Company Primary Stages will present The Light and The Dark (the life and times of Artemisia Gentileschi), penned by Kate Hamill (Pride and Prejudice, Little Women) and directed by Jade King Carroll. The work, set at the height of the Italian Renaissance, details how painter Artemisia Gentileschi reclaimed her power to become one of the most successful artists of her time and an inspiration for women throughout the ages.
Co-Op Resident Company New Light Theater Project will also return with Room 1214, written by Michelle Kholos Brooks and directed by Sarah Norris. Inspired by interviews with a history teacher who experienced the 2018 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the play follows a teacher as she returns to her beloved school to deliver one final lesson in honor of the past.
“The shows throughout our fall season are filled with moments that will make our audiences reflect, laugh and feel the connection that only theatre can bring to individuals and communities,” 59E59 Artistic Director Val Day said in a statement. “I selected each of these companies to our stages based on their demonstrated creativity and ability to produce shows that are entertaining and relevant. From a heartwarming, holiday story to a historical drama, we’re inviting audiences to leave our theatre feeling transformed, empowered and hopeful.”
The fall season continues 59E59's rent-free programming, after a donation from the Elysabeth Kleinhans Theatrical Foundation allowed productions to use the company's performance spaces and equipment without the financial burden of rent beginning with the summer 2024 season.
"Our mission is grounded in supporting non-profit theatre companies, and we strive to include a wide diversity of perspectives from companies whose work deserves to be seen by New York City Audiences,” Brian Beirne, managing director of 59E59 Theaters, added. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Elysabeth Kleinhans Theatrical Foundation and are excited to continue witnessing how this model removes financial barriers, lending itself to welcoming even more companies whose artists possess a masterful command of their craft.”
Casting and creative teams for each production will be announced at a later date.
Visit 59E59.org.
