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 August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned, originally performed by Wilson himself. This production is a heartfelt theatrical memoir charting one man’s journey of self- discovery through adversity, and what it means to be a Black artist in America.
Many of our longtime supporters will recognize what they have long loved about OSF, the unparalleled artistry and magic that emanates from this historical theatre with productions such as How I Learned What I Learned. But there will be new things as well. On the fourth weekend of every month, OSF will, for the first time, offer 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 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.
Thank you, artists and audiences, for being part of this triumphant moment with us.