The 2026 Helen Hayes Award nominations have been announced, recognizing outstanding achievement in Washington-area professional theatre. Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Round House Theatre, and dozens of regional companies are represented across performance, direction, design, and production categories. The awards highlight the breadth of theatre work presented throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.
Synetic Theater’s new adaptation, “Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus,” is demanding and dark, a dystopian tale that merges the classic gothic novel with a timeless myth to make us question our current quest for progress.
In the hands of Synetic Theater, Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM becomes more than a whimsical tale of love and mischief—it transforms into a kinetic, visually arresting spectacle that dances between comedy and enchantment.
And it always is with Synetic. For those unfamiliar with the company, their craft is based on expression through physical movement and scenic snapshots. Sound is used as aural choreography, but words are rarely heard. With this innovative approach, they have tackled some of the classics of stage in new, inventive ways. Thus, their latest work, “The Immigrant” loosely based on Charlie Chaplin’s 1917 short film, follows in the same tradition, reaching back to the silent movies in the fledgling American movie industry.
I recommend this show for people of all ages who are interested in seeing a fun show that explores the theme of friendship. Children in the audience will especially enjoy this playful and interactive performance.
If you are looking for a spooky production to watch during the month of October, you don’t want to miss out on The Tell-Tale Heart, directed by Paata Tsikurishvili.
This evening, the 2023 Helen Hayes Awards took place at The Anthem on the District Wharf, with over 1,600 theatre-makers and theatre supporters in attendance. Esteemed Washington theatre artists Naomi Jacobson, Erika Rose, Holly Twyford, and Christopher Michael Richardson hosted an evening showcasing the vibrant and diverse community of professional theatre artists in the Washington region.
Nominations have been announced for the 37th Helen Hayes Awards, which will be presented on Monday, May 22. Nominees include productions from Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, GALA Hispanic Theatre and more.
Synetic Theater’s holiday production, Snow Maiden, delivers a dose of whimsy to the local theater scene this December. Created by Helen-Hayes Award-winning choreographer and Synetic Co-Founder Irina Tsikurishvili, Snow Maiden utilizes the Synetic’s signature style to tell a new interpretation of the classic 19th-century story.
What did our critic think of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at Synetic Theater? Synetic Theater's wordless A Midsummer Night's Dream is, indeed, a dream to behold. An innovative merging of drama and movement, Synetic's silent exploration of the classic work sparkles and pops. It's full of both belly laughs and tender moments. The power and athleticism of the company along with the lush production elements give a fresh perspective to experience the timeless Shakespearean favorite.
Synetic Theater announces a one-week extension of its newest production, the world premiere of Vato Tsikurishvili’s wordless adaptation of THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, based on the original work by Carlo Osvaldo Goldoni, with choreography by Maryam Najafzada and compositions by resident composer Konstantine Lortkipanidze*.
If there were any doubt in your mind that theatre is back, as thrilling and death-defying as ever, make your plans now to see Synetic Theatre’s take on the old Italian classic “Servant of Two Masters.” Fasten your seat belts, you’ll be on a roller-coaster of virtuosity, wordless and breathless, for a solid hour and a half.
SYNETIC THEATER has announced the world premiere production of Vato Tsikurishvili’s THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, with choreography by Maryam Najafzada and compositions by resident composer Konstantine Lortkipanidze.
Synetic Theater is known for bringing their audiences on a journey through creative movement and dancing. Without a word spoken or a note sung, Synetic manages to capture the audience by putting movement in the spotlight while telling familiar tales. The Tsikurishvilis have now coupled a beloved tale with a creative twist - Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera. Synetic Theater's production is as hauntingly masterful as the story itself and its all due to all overwhelming success of all parties involved.
