Paata Tsikurishvili Returns to the Stage in THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU Tonight

Synetic Theater will open its 2014/2015 season with a new adaptation of HG Wells' haunting novel The Island of Dr. Moreau directed by and starring Paata Tsikurishvili.

The press opening will be Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014 at 2 p.m.

Sometime in the future, a shipwrecked survivor is rescued to a remote island inhabited by the deranged Dr. Moreau and his "children" - experimental human-like animals or animal-like humans. This highly physical and immersive tale set to original and haunting music will create an intriguing and horrifying world to remember. The show will run October 1 through November, 2 2014.

Single tickets go on sale August 5, 2014 online at www.synetictheater.org or via phone at 866.811.4111. Season subscriptions are on sale now.

Dates: Oct. 2 through Nov. 1

Location: Synetic Theater, Crystal City, VA - 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA 22202

Regular Run: Wednesday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $35 and up. Student tickets start at $15. Senior citizens and military receive $5 off. Group discounts are available.

About the 2014/15 Season:

Synetic's 2014/15 Season continues in December with Beauty and the Beast.

In this brand new adaptation directed by Company Member Ben Cunis and adapted by Ben and Peter Cunis (The Three Musketeers, Genesis Reboot), Synetic nimble actors and innovative theatrical effects will recreate the darkness and sensuality of the original French fairytale. Synetic will transform this classic gothic romance into a visual dream full of wonder and mystery. The show will runDecember 3, 2014 - January 4, 2015.

In February, Synetic will present their 11th "wordless Shakespeare" adapatation,Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Paata Tsikurishvili. Confirmed bachelor Benedick and equally independent Beatrice will spar, court, and plot in this passionate, sexy and funny version of Much Ado About Nothing. The show will run February 11 through March 15, 2015.

The 2014/15 Season will conclude in May with Hunting Cockroaches. Directed by guest artist Serge Seiden, Hunting Cockroaches examines the plight of a pair of immigrant artists who were once successful in their countries. Struggling in their new culture, the couple reflect on their past experiences during a sleepless night in their Lower East Side apartment. Synetic Co-Founders Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, immigrants themselves, star together for the first time since 2010 in this vibrant dark comedy. The play written by Janusz Glowacki premiered in New York in the late 80s with raving reviews: "Quintessentially brash...a comic triumph." says The New York Times. Mr. Seiden who has directed numerous plays in the Capital region and across the country and is currently Producing Artistic Director at Studio Theatre, will direct at Synetic Theater for the first time. The show will runMay 13 through June 14, 2015.

About the Director:

Paata Tsikurishvili is the Founding Artistic Director and CEO of Synetic Theater. A native of the Republic of Georgia, he is an innovative, award-winning international artistic director, director and educator with more than 20 years of experience fusing the classical elements of drama, movement, dance, mime and music. He holds an MFA in film directing from Tbilisi State University and a BFA in acting from The State Institute of Theater and Film in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Since Synetic Theater's founding in 2001, Mr. Tsikurishvili has directed and performed in Hamlet ... the rest is silence, The Master and Margarita, The Crackpots, Dracula, Host and Guest and Frankenstein. He has also directed the company's productions of Salomé, Bohemians, Jason and the Argonauts, The Dybbuk, Faust, Frankenstein, Macbeth, Animal Farm, The Fall of the House of Usher, A Christmas Carol, Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, Dante, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Anthony and Cleopatra, Othello, King Arthur, King Lear, Don Quixote and Home of the Soldier. Synetic's inaugural production, Hamlet ... the rest is silence, received 3 Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Director, Outstanding Resident Play and Outstanding Choreography.

As an educator, Mr. Tsikurishvili has trained hundreds of actors in movement technique through Synetic Theater and has taught at leading universities such as American University, Catholic University of America, and Georgetown University.

About Synetic Theater:

Founded in 2001 by the husband and wife team of Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, Synetic Theater is the region's premier contemporary theater, fusing dynamic art forms-drama, text, movement, acrobatics, dance, film, and original music-to create a unique and original whole. Synetic has received a total of 92 Helen Hayes Award nominations and 24 Awards for directing, choreography, acting, costume design, and resident play.

Address: 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA 22202

Metro: Crystal City (Blue / Yellow Lines)

Tickets: Start at $35

Parking: Free after 4pm on weekdays, Free all day on weekends

Box Office: 866.811.4111 or www.synetictheater.org