35th Anniversary Humana Festival Lineup Announced

Actors Theatre of Louisville Artistic Director Marc Masterson and Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein are proud to announce the lineup for the 35th Anniversary Humana Festival of New American Plays. A highlight on the cultural calendar among theatregoers, playwrights and industry professionals across the country, and described as "the Kentucky Derby of the American theatre" (Los Angeles Times), this is the nation's preeminent festival for new American theatre. This season, the Humana Festival runs February 27 through April 17, 2011.

"THE place in America to look for new work that is going to
become required viewing over the following year."-BBC, April 2010

"We are delighted to be celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Humana Festival with an exciting range of theatre's newest works by some of the most engaging playwrights in America today. This year's play selection celebrates the diversity and strength of new American theatre by bringing together an eclectic range of voices exploring an incredible collection of human experiences, "Marc Masterson, Actors Theatre's Artistic Director, announced today. "Each year the Humana Festival introduces more than ten new works to the repertoire of the American theatre, representing a significant contribution to the future vibrancy of the theatre landscape in this country. More than three decades' worth of successes have forged the way for the emergence of many new writing festivals, shining the light on a catalogue of new works which have since received productions throughout the world. We are thrilled to once again provide a platform for emerging and established playwrights to showcase their voices."

Jennifer Bielstein, Actors Theatre's Managing Director, added, "Over the past 35 years, the Humana Festival has introduced more than 400 plays into the American theatre repertoire and has established itself as a globally recognized force in new play production. The Humana Festival remains a stand-out event in the American theatre, drawing local, national and international attention and attracting arts professionals and theatre enthusiasts from across the country. We are proud to have created such an inspiring and influential hub right here in Louisville, Kentucky, and we are delighted to be able to provide a truly unique arts experience at Actors Theatre. Despite the economic challenges we've faced in recent times, last year's festival boasted 102 performances and attracted visitors from 36 states and 8 countries, totaling more than 36,500 tickets sold. We are incredibly grateful to the Humana Foundation, whose support throughout the festival's history has enabled us to fulfill our mission."

"Humana is all about what comes next."
-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 2010

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