*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland Announces 2026–2027 Season UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH *— *Contact:* info@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.