The Brooklyn College Department of Theater is thrilled to announce its lineup for the Fall 2022–Spring 2023 season, which includes live performances open to the public. “We are overjoyed to bring this evocative and timely season of plays to our stages,” said Laura Tesman, Professor and Chair of the Theater Department. “Although we produced projects throughout the pandemic, our talented students faced incredible challenges with the continually shifting modalities and protocols. It is wonderful to be able to share their inspiring artistry and collaborations with outside audiences once again.” Fall 2022 F*cking A (By Suzan-Lori Parks, Directed by Dennis A. Allen II) November 18–19 and 21–22 at 7:30 p.m., November 19 at 2 p.m., Don Buchwald Theater. In an otherworldly place, Hester, an abhorred but necessary abortionist, has but one goal in her heart: free her imprisoned son. Hester soon encounters some hard truths which turn her quest of emancipation into one of revenge and redemption. With the help of a newfound friend and an old confidant, Hester concocts and carries out her plan against a Jacobean backdrop which merges story and song. (Content warnings advisories: violence, sexual assault, murder, suggested nudity, abortion) In the Next Room, Or The Vibrator Play (By Sarah Ruhl, Directed by Florence Le Bas) December 9–10 and 12–13 at 7:30 p.m., December 10 at 2 p.m., New Workshop Theater Just before the turn of the 19th century, distinguished and established Dr. Givings invents what he believes will cure hysteria in women by inducing paroxysms, inadvertently introducing the world to the first vibrator. While curing women of the town–as well as the occasional and rare instances of male hysteria–the introduction of a wet nurse to the Givings household brings unforeseen complications. And in the middle of this whirlwind of a strange new world, Dr. and Mrs. Givings attempt to navigate their own marital struggles all while exploring the true meaning of love. (Content advisories: sexual content, pregnancy, and child loss) Spring 2023 Taming of the Shrew (By William Shakespeare, Directed by Ivey Lowe) March 3–4 and 6–7 at 7:30 p.m., March 4 at 2 p.m., New Workshop Theater In the city of Padua, not far from Verona, a twisted tale of deceit and infatuation begins. Lovely and tame Bianca is being sought after by multiple suitors but cannot get married until her sister Katherine is wed. Unfortunately, Katherine is infamous for being disobedient and unruly, making her everyone’s problem in their pursuit of happily ever after. Petruccio–to the relief of many–is ready to rise to the challenge of taming Katherine by any means necessary. In one of Shakespeare’s most discussed and controversial works, the perceived gender roles of men and women play out to the victory and comedy of many, no matter the cost. (Content advisories: intimate partner violence) The Skriker (By Caryl Churchill, Directed by Lauren Zeftel) April 21–22 and 24–25 at 7:30 p.m., April 22 at 2 p.m., New Workshop Theater Set in modern London, this fantasy melds the ethereal and temporal worlds as a shapeshifter plagues two young women. The Skriker–straight out of British folklore–makes life for Josie and Lily difficult and unsteady, its ever-changing form catching them off guard. With language that shifts and changes as easily as the Skriker itself, themes of possession, love, and self-deception are explored throughout this astonishing fable. (Content advisories: mental health, mental illness, infant death) One Act Festival (Directed by the First-Year M.F.A. Directors: Katy Early, Dan Hasse, and Cassidy Kepp) May 12–13 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., May 13 at 2 p.m., New Workshop Theater Ticket Information General Admission, $15 per show. Current students, faculty & staff, alumni, veterans, and seniors: $10 per show. For questions, please reach out to the Brooklyn College Department of Theater at theater@brooklyn.cuny.edu. Please visit www.brooklyncollegepresents.org for tickets and more information. You can also reach the box office at 718.951.4500 or boxoffice@brooklyn.cuny.edu. Hours are 1–5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. CUNY requires all visitors accessing campus for an event to show proof of vaccination and/or a negative PCR Covid Test in Cleared4 or BC Navigator + green key symbol. Non-CUNY/public visitors need to show a photo ID + CDC vaccination card or NYS Excelsior pass. There is no longer a mask mandate on campus, however we ask our audience to continue masking when inside the theater and during the performance. The theater HVAC system has been upgraded with MERV filtration. Two HEPA air scrubbers are turned on overnight to ensure the air is further cleaned before the next performance.
