I am thrilled to welcome you to my inaugural season as Artistic Director of the A.R.T.! As a director, my driving source of inspiration is the audience. Theater is more than simply a play on the stage: it’s a ritual, a social occasion for people to come together and experience community.
Our new initiative, Experience the A.R.T., seeks to revolutionize the theater experience by giving audiences a voice, a sense of ownership, and a feeling of importance in the theatrical event. This season there will be opportunities to gather, dine, socialize, and even dance with the performers and with each other.
In 2009/2010, all of our productions are programmed as festivals, encouraging audiences to experience our work as part of larger cultural events. We are actively reaching outward — producing some of our shows off-site in unusual locations and partnering with other cultural institutions in Boston and New York City, while strengthening our connections to Harvard University.
The entire season speaks directly to the A.R.T.’s core mission —“to expand the boundaries of theater.” We can do this by expanding our idea of what makes up the theatrical event. As audience members, you will be the focus for the A.R.T. as we move forward in the twenty-first century. Together we will redefine and revitalize theater for our community. It is a great honor to partner with you on this theatrical journey.
Diane Paulus
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
