From the Egyptian-American winner of the Steinberg New American Play Award comes a romantic comedy about Muslim and American identity full of unexpected twists.
It is September 12th, 2001; the setting is the Minneapolis apartment of Waverly, a young advertising executive. Soon to venture on a blind date amidst the television news coverage of the September 11th attacks, Waverly becomes preoccupied when she discovers that her twin sister, Wendy, a student in New York, has not been heard from.
This fun, interactive family concert will have every family member on their feet! The program explores the expressive, dance-like melodies of William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama, and Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag.
Set in Cairo at the precipice of past, present, and future, audiences are introduced to a nameless Egyptian writer and trio of other characters as they are swept through a deeply personal mosaic. Illuminating the many aspects of life in a country in the midst of revolution, No Desert Roses highlights the multidimensional nature of struggle in the crux of atrocity.
Join us at the Atlas for an exciting evening of jazz, featuring five-time Juno Award winner, Jane Bunnett.
In this drama, audiences are invited to see the world through the eyes of an Israeli couple and a Palestinian couple, both having suffered the tragic loss of a child. Fashioning this story as a searing cry for compassion in a reality that appears to offer none, Sobol presents us with a world where truth, regardless of belief, may be all that stands between us and a war without end.
From the author of The Admission and After the War. Maariv newspaper describes Lerner's latest work as "a daring theatrical attempt to deal with the complex situation making it difficult for IDF soldiers to preserve their humanity, while the country's political leadership prefers to bury its head in the sand." In the hours after an Israeli soldier is kidnapped in Gaza, an artillery reserve officer responds in accordance with military protocol. He is moved to confess to the damage he’s inflicted. The country’s institutions don’t want to hear.
The OLA Film Festival is a showcase and competition highlighting the work of amateur and student filmmakers across the country. The goal of the festival is to offer support to emerging artists by providing a platform to display their work to the public.
East City Bookshop and Atlas Performing Arts Center present humorist and playwright R. Eric Thomas with his debut book Here for It, a heartfelt and hilarious memoir-in-essays. Event includes a book signing hosted in our lobby by East City Bookshop with the author.
MALINDA, described as a ’social media luminary’ by The Washington Post, has a YouTube audience of over a million subscribers and 160 million views.
Nellie and Amelia are two adventurous mice ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse-hole. They decide to go to the moon since it is cat-free and made entirely of delicious, mouth-watering cheese (so they have heard). In this interactive play, the audience becomes part of the story through multi-sensory activities. Join us as we all try to reach beyond the stars.
This award-winning one-woman play encourages hope from the comfort of a rocking chair, with captivating moments of comedy and triumph over tragedy, as only a lesbian belle can tell! Artist Talk-Back after the show.
This is where/I Begin… is a solo dance exposing the plight of a DACA recipient/Dreamer and the relationship of living in the U.S.A. This performance includes audience participation and a post-show artist talk-back.
Join us for familiar stories with kinder twists. Audiences learn about respect and friendship in a funny, touching, engaging show for all ages!
Jess Hoversen explores the human condition presented in Ernest Hemingway's works. 'The Light of Slow Descent' uses an all female cast to express the main themes of perseverance and defeat in 'Old Man and the Sea'. Mariah Lopez's 'Indelible' explores the duality created by social norms that force victims of assault to bare the burden of responsibility.
In a new evening-length performance pairing contemporary dance with multimedia, "The Fate of Choice," beautifully and provocatively explores the world through opposing landscapes: Free Will vs. Determinism. “Do we truly have free will or are our lives pre-determined?” With a post-show artist talk-back.
Three women, three dreams, whose will come true? Join us for a film screening and Artist Talk-Back after the show.
A lavish and memorable journey in dance to the heart of Central Asia and the splendorous court of Tamerlane’s queen, celebrating many Eastern cultures. With post-show artist talk-back.
A coming of age tale of one woman’s fantastical journey from meeting elves and fighting dragons to shaping lives by becoming a high school teacher. Post-show artist talk-back.
The word and connotation of “eyesore”, an unpleasant sight in a public place, spins in “EyeSoar” as audio, video and movement highlight the people and organizations that make up an industrial neighborhood. With post-show artist talk-back.
After Dontre Hamilton, a black, unarmed man diagnosed with schizophrenia, was shot 14 times and killed by police in Milwaukee, his family embarks on a quest for answers, justice, and reform as the investigation unfolds.
Diaspora explores the connectivity of human feeling, its celebration and subtleties, while transcending from various music genres of soca, blues, samba, soul, and Afro-beat. Artist Talk-Back after the show.
Join us and discover how shocking news twists and turns in this new work ‘Breaking News’ by GDC Artistic Director, Shu-Chen Cuff and enjoy a unique cultural experience with ‘We, The Moon, The Sun’ – an Asian culturally influenced work combining Chinese Opera movements and modern dance.
Follow a young woman’s adventures through modern dating and climate depression, whereby she tries to find a sense of community and forms a friendship with a climate refugee, falls in love with an activist, and dates a climate denier. This performance includes audience participation and a post-show artist talk-back.
Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) presents "Opening Ceremony" . CAAPA's Mission is to help "Bring Color to the Classics!" Artist Talk-Back after the show.
Hilarious and witty, this play addresses current identity issues related to Africans and African Americans, stereotypes of the continent are beautifully deconstructed. Artist talk-back after the show.
This show is an anthology of intricately crafted vignettes that was developed collectively by SAPAN resident artists reflecting on their personal experiences as South Asians in the United States. With a post-show artist talk-back.
Part of the Washington Post Free Cafe Concert Series
Join us for a silent film fantasy adventure about dinosaurs, based on the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel of the same title.
Dotty is black. Dotty discovers she wants to be white. WHITE-ISH takes us on a black girl's comical journey of identity and acceptance through a panhandling street kid, a black revolutionary, and sorority girls. Artist Talk-Back after the show.
Blues to Broadway, Contemporary to tap, fresh, rhythmic, and electric. Artist Talk-Back after the show.
Ben Buergel champions new works for the oboe that utilizes technology in artistic expression and pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can do. This performance includes audience participation and post-show artist talk-back.
Pianist, composer, and electronic musician James Fernando has been hailed by Textura magazine as having “seemingly effortless command of the piano”, and by author Grady Harp for creating music that “makes the world more beautiful.” Fernando presents an exciting solo program featuring his innovative piano and electronics setup. This performance includes audience participation and a post-show artist talk-back.
Enter our village as we share short stories that are a part of the full scope of the black experience. Stay for the post-show discussion.
A unique performance featuring Therese and Elizabeth Gahl’s choreographic collaboration, “Nocturne”, with DC and Paris-based artists crossing international borders and dance styles. With post-show artist talk-back.
TVAMEVA will be presenting from their world music album Upakrama - The Beginning with a special feature by poet and visual artist Neha Misra. This concert includes audience participation and a post-show artist talk-back
What happens when Oizys visits? In a space filled with live music and sound, dancers embody and confront our anxiety, asking what it takes to redirect its power and provoke change. Take a number; grab a seat: welcome to the Waiting Room. This performance includes audience participation.
‘Acuña Acuna’ is a one-person comedy show based on my real life as a Peruvian Latino living in America. This performance includes audience participation and a post-show artist talk-back.
Join the Washington and Lee University Singers in the Atlas Performing Arts Center premiere of Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard, one of the most meaningful recent works of social justice art. This multimedia fusion oratorio uses the featured choir, soloists, instrumentalists, and narrators to tell the tragic story and aftermath of the kidnapping, torture, and death of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming in 1998. Join us for a post-show discussion.
Audiences will enjoy a night of powerful and diverse movement as we revisit crowd-favorite pieces from years past as well as brand new and innovative works from some of today's most sought-after artists in the industry. Artist Talk-Back after the show.
Building on the themes of community, acceptance, empathy, and self-discovery, Elements Dance Company will premiere “The World According to Mister Rogers” an energetic and engaging urban dance production which celebrates the long-running PBS Show “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood.”
This performance is inspired by the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
A celebration of Indian culture through idioms of classical dances of India, the presentation creates an eclectic blend of traditional & contemporary seeking to dazzle & depict.
The Voices of Now Mead Ensemble is a prestigious program for dedicated student artists in grades 7-11 that gives students a fun and engaging environment in which to write, perform and share stories that shape their lives.
The Misto di Voci Ensemble explores mysticism and music of the spheres in a multimedia presentation of Alan Hovhaness' Saturn. Written for soprano, clarinet and piano in cantata form, set to mystical text by the composer, and accompanied by NASA’s images of space, each movement is a unique and ethereal journey. The program concludes with The Klezmer's Wedding; a fusion of classical and klezmer style in a jubilant celebration of life. With post show artist talk-back.
Story ballet about the Kente Cloth— a fabric made of interwoven strips of cloth, known for its dazzling multicolored patterns. Stay for the post-show discussion.
Join City at Peace, the Atlas youth development, arts, and social change program as they present an original, musical theatre production that tackles difficult themes, topics, and questions of youth culture and society.
"Awaken, Brown Eyes" is a collection of four short films detailing the variety of human experiences through the perspective of today's Black Americans. The films range from a woman artist discovering her purpose to a young man understanding his world and what it is to code-switch. Artist Talk-Back after the show.
Our Youth Summit concludes with an interactive, youth-led workshop of our Youth Summit performers and youth performing community, facilitated by City at Peace. Youth will explore and discuss challenging topics of racism, sexism, homophobia, adultism and more. Workshop facilitated by youth from City at Peace.
Atlas presents an unforgettable evening of Latin jazz with two-time Grammy Award- Winning Marlow Rosado and his quintet.
Audience members share topics weighing on their minds, and where they find lightness in their lives. Their responses inspire improvisers to create scenes and dialogue as dancers introduce choreography and create movement and patterns. Scenes influence dance and vice versa, as elements from each world cross over into the next. This show includes audience participation and post-show artist talk-back.
Behind The Mask Beneath The Surface, a captivating evening of dynamic visions of dance and artistry from 4 local DC/MD/VA female artists and choreographers, Truly Bennett, Kyoko Fujimoto, Rebecca Lallande, and Marie McNair. With post-show artist talk-back.
Thrashes to Ashes is an experimental look at the musical theater genre from a punk tap dancer’s perspective. Combining elements of punk music and apocalyptic storytelling, this work follows a fictional tap dancer named Patrick Redeye and his band The Strange Birds. With a post-show artist talk-back.
Girls! Girls? Girls. is a short performance documentary that explores the past, present and funny yet frightening future of the global black woman. With post-show artist talk-back.
In this production Furia Flamenca goes beyond flamenco’s music, song, and dance and explores some of Spain’s many other musical genres, including iconic classical pieces such as “La Boda de Luis Alonso” and “Vida Breve,” and some of Spain’s folk music and dance. The performance will include flamenco guitarists Maestro Torcuato Zamora and Juan L. Romero. Artist Talk-Back after the show.
This performance highlights vocalist Heidi Martin as a conjurer of the vocal and dramatic majesty of jazz legend Abbey Lincoln’s indomitable life force. Artist talk-back after the show.
Hear and see percussive dances from Ireland, Hungary, Canada, the United States, and more as Capitol Tap, District Tap, and special guests Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, share their common percussive beats in this rousing hour using the soles of their feet, and more! This show includes audience participation!
The nine planets (or nava graha in Sanskrit) are worshipped as deities in Vedic Astrology. In the body, they facilitate the working of individual karma, while in the world, the unraveling of collective karma. Based on the idea that each of us has traits of Navagraha within us, dancers will explore and use the 9 energies to connect the Self with the Universe. With post-show artist talk-back.
Hear classical western music and eastern music, as well as new works written specifically for the duo. With post-show artist talk-back.
The "Rebirth" program highlights new musical works that are grounded in the hope of new beginnings within the framework of an increasingly complicated and fragmented world. Artist Talk-Back after the show.
"Einstein’s Wife" explores the life of a gifted woman living in the shadow of a brilliant man.
What happens when you invite someone very different from you to come over to play? Such an adventure awaits an energetic child when she introduces her shy imaginary friend to a very special kitchen. Join us and discover what wonders can be accomplished through friendship!
In the summer of 1968, liberal Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley met for a series of debates that rocked America and defined the genre of punditry. Now, for one evening only, Vidal and Buckley meet in the Dismal Beyond (also known as the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA) to reprise their infamous debate.
Jamie Baum, known for her award-winning Septet+ that features her global-influenced, increasingly complex and long-form compositions, formed Short Stories to complement and expand her palette. With an emphasis on improvisation, her inspiration came from the short but eloquent, harmonic and motivically-packed compositions by such jazz icons as Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.
Welcome the first official days of spring with beautiful music, including Frederick Delius’s lush tone poem On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring and Copland’s heartland ode The Tender Land Suite.
From the streets of Minneapolis, the aboriginal lands of Australia, and the killing fields of Cambodia come the powerful stories of three people who had the courage to step out of the haunting, tragic darkness of the past, risking everything to reach the light of their own compassion.
Headed by Snarky Puppy’s multi-Grammy–winning percussion duo of Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, Ghost-Note is an explosion of sound with an expansive roster of next-level musicians, representing members of Prince, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Marcus Miller, Toto, Justin Timberlake, and more.
The now-legendary story of Emmett “Bo” Till is believed by many to be the start of the modern civil rights movement of the 1950s and remains one of the most pivotal incidents in a monumental era.
In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, Atlas welcome’s back to its stage a DC jazz favorite, Brad Linde's new project, The Team Players Big League.
Meet a section of the symphony orchestra through this engaging, educational and intimate program for young people. Join us for an instrument petting zoo to meet the musicians and see their instruments up close. Then, learn about the music they play and hear the beautiful sounds come to life.
The Atlas welcomes back DC Jazz favorites Herb Scott and Aaron Myers for an evening of jazz, celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month.
Featuring silent film era comedian Harold Lloyd, this comedy features a shy Poor Boy (Harold Lloyd), a tailor’s apprentice who dreams of becoming an author. He falls for a Rich Girl (Jobyna Rolston) and the tale of the budding romance ensues. Presented with live accompaniment by Andrew Earle Simpson.
Modern-day crooner and Fulbright scholar, Vuyo Sotashe takes the stage during Atlas’ celebration of Jazz Month.
Do you love pizza? Let’s face it…we all do. It’s the most loved food in American. And we want to tell you a story about three pizza places in the town of New Haven, Connecticut that you may or may not have heard of.
In a collaboration with Mons Dansa Dance Company from Barcelona, Spain, we bring to life a dance-based show perfect for ages 1-5 that explores the many facets of creativity. A fun, interactive production that tells the story of two delightful creatures who live inside a wastepaper basket, Paper Dreams asks if our greatest mistakes can turn out to be our greatest ideas.
The now-legendary story of Emmett “Bo” Till is believed by many to be the start of the modern civil rights movement of the 1950s and remains one of the most pivotal incidents in a monumental era.
The now-legendary story of Emmett “Bo” Till is believed by many to be the start of the modern civil rights movement of the 1950s and remains one of the most pivotal incidents in a monumental era.
When an imaginative young child falls asleep after reading a book, the stories come to life in their dreams. Using dance and music, this world premiere production will unfold around the audience. Watch a new world come to life right before your eyes!
Join local award-winning jazz pianist and vocalist, Mark G. Meadows, as he creates a unifying sound with his band, The Movement.
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take your little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in this unforgettable live theatre experience.
