Macha Theatre Works

NWTheatre Awards: Best-Loved Shows of 2022

January 2, 2023January 2, 2023 Chase D. Anderson ACT Theatre, Dacha Theatre, Harlequin Productions, Macha Theatre Works, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts, Seattle Opera, Showtunes Theatre Company, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Valley Center Stage

All around the Sound, theatre and dance companies treated viewers to a lot of great performances in 2022. Here’s what stood out to NWTheatre as the most powerful, most memorable, most spectacular of the year.

REVIEW THEATRE

The Thrust: They Have the Recipes for Love and Murder

October 22, 2022October 31, 2022 Chase D. Anderson Joy McCullough, Macha Theatre Works, Richard Wagner, Seattle Opera

Beware the apothecary in two shows on now, with potions for love and death alike. The world premiere ‘La Tofana’s Poison Emporium’ from Macha Theatre Works and Seattle Opera’s Wagner epic ‘Tristan and Isolde’ both run through 10/29.

FEATURE THEATRE

Priced Out? These Seattle-Area Theatres Set Out to Price You In.

February 24, 2022December 5, 2022 Chase D. Anderson 18th and Union, ArtsWest, Dacha Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Macha Theatre Works, MAP Theatre, Seattle, Seattle Public Theater, Seattle Rep, Sound Theatre Company

As the pandemic pause put production activity on hold, theatres took the opportunity to reassess their commitments. For some, that means making theatre more accessible than ever, including how much it costs to get in the door.

REVIEW THEATRE

Macha’s ‘Fifth Wave’ Is Ready for Battle – But Which One?

February 17, 2022February 27, 2022 Chase D. Anderson Amy Poisson, Dani Norberg, Jenn Ruzumna, Lisa Every, Lisa Finkral, Macha Theatre Works, Mari Nelson, Parmida Ziaei, Seattle, West of Lenin

A world premiere play from two local playwrights has a somewhat muddled message. But its captivating production and ample discussion fodder make it worth your time. ‘The Fifth Wave’ runs through February 27 at Macha Theatre Works.

REVIEW THEATRE VISUAL ART

‘Blood Water Paint’ Layers Artistry, Sexism, Violence, and Resilience Into a Vivid Portrait

September 30, 2019October 7, 2019 Chase D. Anderson 12th Avenue Arts, Alysha Curry, Amy Poisson, Artemisia Gentileschi, Bianca Raso, Jocelyne Fowler, Joy McCullough, Leah Jarvik, Macha Theatre Works, Meredith Armstrong, Michael D. Blum., Parmida Ziaei, Tim Gagne

Weaving disparate stories and art forms into one cohesive work, the latest from Macha Theatre Works makes for an inventive and beautiful play — and a fitting ode to an artist known for her vivid paintings. ‘Blood Water Paint’ runs through October 6.

FEATURE ON BOOK THEATRE

5 Questions with Playwright & Novelist Joy McCullough

September 9, 2019July 7, 2022 Chase D. Anderson 12th Avenue Arts, Amy Poisson, Artemisia Gentileschi, interview, Joy McCullough, Macha Theatre Works, Seattle

‘Blood Water Paint’ imagines the great 17th century Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi in her studio, interacting with the apocryphal subjects who inspired her. NWT talked with playwright Joy McCullough about the work, ahead of the play’s opening this Friday with Macha Theatre Works.

FEATURE THEATRE

5 Questions with Playwright Maggie Lee

March 18, 2019July 7, 2022 Chase D. Anderson interview, Macha Theatre Works, Maggie Lee

This month, Macha Theatre Works opened its world-premiere production of ‘Sheathed’ — a new fantasy/adventure saga from acclaimed Seattle playwright Maggie Lee — which runs through March 24 at Theatre Off Jackson. NWT talked with Lee to learn more about the process, from ideation to realization, and her inspiration behind this latest work.

REVIEW THEATRE

Macha Slays with Maggie Lee’s Latest, ‘Sheathed’

March 17, 2019November 14, 2021 Chase D. Anderson Amy Poisson, Ayo Tushinde, International District, Macha Theatre Works, Maggie Lee, Seattle, Sunam Ellis, Theatre Off Jackson

Powerful women, strong acting, cohesive design, and lots of sword fighting combine for an exciting night of theatre. The world-premiere production runs through March 24 at Theatre Off Jackson.