[NEohioPAL] Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland Announces 2026–2027 Season & More!!

[Ensemble Theatre]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland Announces 2026–2027
Season UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH *—
*Contact:* info at ensemble-theatre.org or 216-321-2930 with inquiries.

Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland is proud to announce its 2026–2027 season,
featuring 2 Cleveland Premieres and a World Premiere, that include an
award-winning contemporary drama, a classical adaptation, a world-premiere
new play, and a powerful exploration of American history. The season
reflects Ensemble’s ongoing commitment to producing thought-provoking
theatre that sparks conversation, and deepens community engagement.
*All performances are Fridays, Saturdays @7:30 and Sundays @ 2:00 for 3
weekends, unless indicated otherwise.*


*THE FERRYMAN By Jez Butterworth Cleveland Premiere*
*Directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz and Rebecca Moseley :: October 2–18, 2026 *

Northern Ireland, 1981. Former IRA man Quinn Carney has built a new life on
a remote farmhouse in County Armagh, surrounded by a sprawling, boisterous
family on the eve of the harvest. But when a long-buried body surfaces from
a bog, the past comes knocking — and with it, dangerous men who refuse to
let old loyalties die. What unfolds is a sweeping, mythic collision of
family, secrets, and violence that reaches all the way back through Irish
history and folklore. *The Ferryman* is a breathtaking, unforgettable epic
that questions whether any of us can ever truly outrun where we come from.

*"**The Ferryman** is a seismic experience at the theater: As it spins
forward, its plates keep shifting under it. You sense the rumbles and you
feel the shaking—the shaking might be you—as you wait for this magnificent
and harrowing play to crack open."*
-*Time Out New York*


   - *2017 Best New Play* Critics' Circle Awards
   - *2018 Best New Play *Olivier Awards
   - *2018 Best New Play *WhatsOnStage Awards
   - *2019 Best Play* Tony Awards
   - *2019 Outstanding Play *Drama Desk Award
   - *2019 Best Play* New York Drama Critics' Circle Award
   - *2019 Outstanding New Broadway Play *Outer Critics Circle Awards

*THE BURIAL AT THEBES By Seamus Heaney*
*Directed by Rebecca Moseley :: February 5–21, 2027 *
*Nobel Prize winner* Seamus Heaney’s powerful adaptation of Sophocles’
Antigone explores the timeless conflict between individual conscience and
state authority. Antigone has defied the king. When Creon, ruler of Thebes,
decrees that her brother's body shall rot unburied as punishment for
treason, Antigone chooses loyalty to the gods and the dead over obedience
to the state — and pays a devastating price. Heaney's searing translation
of Sophocles' ancient tragedy strips the play to its blazing moral core:
what do we owe the living, and what do we owe the dead? Written in the
shadow of the Iraq War, its themes of power, dissent, and human dignity
feel as urgent today as they did in fifth-century Athens. A spare, fierce,
and deeply human work — essential theatre. In this outstanding translation,
commissioned by Ireland's renowned Abbey Theatre to commemorate its
centenary, Seamus Heaney exposes the darkness and the humanity in
Sophocles' masterpiece, and inks it with his own modern and masterly touch.
Originally produced by Ensemble Theatre in the Brooks theatre in 2006
directed by the late founding artistic director Lucia Colombi. Join us for
this timely re-examination of this classic tale translated by one of the
greatest poets of the day.

*"Heaney melds the philosophy of the ages with words that are rich with the
honey of poetry. The lilt of the language and spare yet efficient staging
by director Lucia Colombi creates a riveting production that is both
timeless and opportune."  -Cleveland Jewish News *

*2027 COLOMBI NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL *

*SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY By Jeanne Madison World Premiere*
*Directed by Celeste Cosentino:: World Premiere! March 11–21, 2027 *
Set in a very different Garden of Eden than the one we might recognize,
Lilith and Eve —Adam’s first and second wives—go head-to-head and
toe-to-toe on a woman’s true power, the nature of knowledge, and humanity’s
eternal desires. Told with humor, magical realism, and sharp insight, *She
Walks in Beauty* explores both everyday concerns and existential questions,
including what to do with all the plastic invading Eden. Audiences may find
themselves rethinking some of their most closely held beliefs.
**Performances run Thursdays through Sundays for two weekends.

**This full length world premiere signals a recommitment to premiering new
works that have been developed through Ensemble Theatre's
*Stagewrights Unit* and presented as readings during the Colombi New Plays
Festival by local Cleveland playwrights. The Stagewrights unit meets
virtually bi-weekly. More information about participating in the *Stagewrights
Unit* is available on our website.

   - *The 2027 Colombi New Plays Festival *will surround this world
   premiere production with readings of plays in various stages of development.
   - *The 2027 Colombi New Plays Festival *schedule will be announced once
   festival plays are selected.
   - *The 2027 Colombi New Plays Festival submission application *will open
   in
*late October 2026. *

*THE RECLAMATION OF MADISON **HEMINGS** By Charles Smith *
*Cleveland Premiere*
*Directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz :: May 28th, 2027-June 13th, 2027*
With “Reclamation” Ensemble welcomes back playwright Charles Smith to our
stage. Originally commissioned by Indiana Repertory Theatre and inspired by
historical events, Charles Smith’s compelling drama offers a deeply human
look at the complexities of American history and the stories that continue
to shape our nation. It’s 1866, one year after the end of the Civil War.
Madison Hemings, son of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, and Israel
Jefferson, formerly enslaved footman, return to their birthplace of
Monticello in hopes of reuniting with Israel’s brother. Finding the
formerly majestic estate near ruin, Madison attempts to claim what’s
rightfully his by stripping the architectural features of the house he
helped build. Both men are confronted with their conflicting feelings about
the man who wrote “all men are created equal.” Israel advises Madison to
consider the memories of the other families, hundreds of people, who were
enslaved at Monticello, rather than loading down the wagon they need to
carry them back to Ohio. When their wagon collapses under the weight of the
salvaged load, they are forced to carefully consider the main question of
the play—what do we need to keep with us as we move through this world, and
what should we leave behind?

Ensemble patrons will remember past Ensemble Theatre productions of Charles
Smith plays *Freeman of Color, Knock me a Kiss, The Gospel According to
James, Jelly Belly, and Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues.*
*2026/2027 Season Memberships on sale now. Single Tickets on sale June 8th!
www.ensembletheatrecle.org <http://www.ensembletheatrecle.org> (Box Office
Tab) :: 216-321-2930*
*________________________________________________________________________*
*Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland will hold general season auditions: *

   - Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
   - Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
   - Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
   - Virtual Auditions will also be accepted for those who cannot make in
   person times/dates.

Callbacks will be announced at a later date. Additional auditions may be
held for individual productions!
Auditions will be held at Ensemble’s home in the Marinello Little Theatre
on the campus of John Carroll University (1 John Carroll Blvd, University
Heights OH 44118)
Please sign up for an audition slot on our website:
*www.ensembletheatrecle.org/auditions*
<http://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/auditions>

*_______________________________________________________________________*
Ensemble's 2027 FREE Summer Performing Arts Camps will run July 13–24,
2027, providing young artists with opportunities to develop performance
skills, creativity, and confidence in a supportive environment.
For more information visit: *www.ensembletheatrecle.org/performingartscamp*
<http://www.ensembletheatrecle.org/performingartscamp>
*_______________________________________________________________________*

*About Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland *
For nearly five decades, Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland has presented bold,
engaging productions that challenge audiences, celebrate diverse voices,
and foster meaningful dialogue through the power of live theatre.

Ensemble Theatre is dedicated to the responsible production of works that
celebrate the human spirit drawn from the rich canon of modern American
classics as well as other significant contemporary plays. Ensemble serves
greater Cleveland and the Midwest region by reintroducing the classics,
examining them with new eyes, and supporting the development of new works
for the American theater. Education and outreach activities, engage youth
and community residents through on site programming, residencies, and
touring performances.

Ensemble Theatre believes that the arts are an essential and meaningful
part of life. The theatre offers an important forum for stimulating and
provoking thought about the issues of contemporary life, and it is a place
for communal experience. Introducing future generations to the arts will
enlighten them about the human condition and provide them with a resource
to nourish them throughout their lives. All art, including theatre, should
be a celebration of diversity and human dignity. The theatre provides the
highest possible level of professionalism in all areas to nurture new
talent, and to be ever mindful of the power of art to entertain and move
the audience.
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