The Hansberry Project

Chase D. Anderson October 19, 2023October 22, 2023 Andrew Lee Creech, Dedra D. Woods, Jonelle Jordan, Seattle, Taproot Theatre, The Hansberry Project, Tim Gouran, Valerie Curtis-Newton, Yusef Seevers

Freedom Is Calling (Out of Dodge)

The world premiere of a Seattle playwright’s latest is among the best plays of the year. Last Drive to Dodge runs at Taproot Theatre through 10/21.

REVIEW THEATRE

Chase D. Anderson September 13, 2019September 16, 2019 Adam Fontana, Allyson Lee Brown, Ayo Tushinde, Charles Leggett, Christine Pilar, Eisa Davis, Intiman Theatre, Jennifer Zeyl, Matt Starritt, Reginald Andre Jackson, Robert J. Aguilar, The Hansberry Project, Valerie Curtis-Newton

‘Bulrusher’ Takes Its Time, to Welcome Effect

The “slow theatre” at work in ‘Bulrusher’ matches the pace of the town. But the play’s resonant themes, along with strong acting and design work, make for a gripping show even as it strolls along. It runs through September 14.

REVIEW THEATRE

Dusty Somers September 9, 2019September 24, 2019 The Hansberry Project, Washington Ensemble Theatre

A Searing Family Drama in ‘Is God Is’, But Its Revenge Comes Up Cold

A blaze, a horrific revelation, and a righteous quest are at the center of Washington Ensemble Theatre’s latest, ‘Is God Is’. But despite some strong acting, the production lacks the requisite conviction — and bloodshed — to bring its characters justice. It runs through September 23.

ON BOOK REVIEW THEATRE

Chase D. Anderson July 21, 2019July 28, 2019 Allyson Lee Brown, Center House Theater, Claudia Rankine, Jay O'Leary, Naa Akua, Nicholas Japaul Bernard, Rebecca Cort, Richard Sean Glen, Shermona Mitchell, Sound Theatre Company, Stephen Sachs, The Hansberry Project

‘Citizen’ Powerfully Engages the Everyday of Racism in America

The book, by MacArthur Genius Claudia Rankine, is a masterwork. So is Sound Theatre and the Hansberry Project’s staging, in which all elements coalesce flawlessly into a challenging and invigorating production. It runs through July 28.

INTERVIEW THEATRE

Chase D. Anderson May 19, 2019March 19, 2023 interview, Seattle Rep, The Hansberry Project, Valerie Curtis-Newton

5 Questions with Director Valerie Curtis-Newton

Award-winning theatre-maker Valerie Curtis-Newton is the director of the currently running, critically acclaimed production of ‘Nina Simone: Four Women’ at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Curtis-Newton talked with NWTheatre about her vision in staging the piece, and artist-activism more generally.