I hope you are as thrilled as I am about our 2022 season—my first full season since joining as OSF’s Artistic Director in April 2019. It has been an extremely challenging time for OSF and theatres across the country—but our community is resilient. As we continue to rebuild and reimagine the possibilities, we are now in the midst of an expansive repertory season full of exciting, timely work and classics beautifully interpreted through a 21st-century lens. This season features eight on-stage plays and musicals, from classic Shakespeare to works by some of today’s most exciting playwrights. I am also thrilled to debut an expansion into digital projects that explore the future of theatrical storytelling.
Among this season’s gems is Dominique Morisseau’s Confederates, of which I am honored to serve as Director. This performance holds special meaning for me. I was originally slated to direct Confederates for the 2020 season, but we were in rehearsal when the pandemic shutdown began. What I love about Dominique Morisseau is that she writes for and about Black women and Black female liberation. Confederates asks all of us to witness or reflect on the complexity of Black women’s existence across two time periods, 150 years apart. I am directing this play at OSF because I believe it is important that we continue to tell stories that focus on a diversity of experiences and because this play in particular centers Black women—and I am a Black woman who shares some of the experiences portrayed in this play. I believe that the story of American Slavery is the story of American History, and our understanding of that fact, or lack thereof, impacts our lives and society to this day.
This powerful play is an example of the compelling storytelling that OSF has to offer and is committed to bringing to audiences. Longtime supporters will find what they have long loved about OSF, the unparalleled artistry and magic that emanates from this historical theatre with productions such as Confederates. But there are new things as well. On the fourth weekend of every month, OSF, for the first time, offers live American Sign Language translation plus audio describing services, closed captioning, and audio augmentation. We have also strengthened our commitment to centering BIPOC stories and artists, more equitable and sustainable theatre-making practices, and a simplified ticketing pricing and structure.
Through our digital and in-person offerings, we are creating art that engages people where they are. We are building systems that enable us to reach more people, engage more minds and touch more hearts in a way that only artists and theatre can.