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 William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Director Nicholas C. Avila’s imaginative production lays bare the good, the bad, and the gray areas of human nature for audiences through this classic tale of vengeance, power, and the quest for justice.
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 The Tempest. 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 ticket 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.