Three shows highlight Available Light Theatre's new season coming to Columbus
Available Light Theatre, an 18-year-old semiprofessional troupe, presents new and recent American plays next season.
“Since our founding, we’ve held strong to our mission, and that includes creating joyful new works that Columbus audiences haven’t seen before,” artistic director Eleni Papaleonardos said.
“It’s about daring, about risk-taking, about investigating what’s happening in our community. We’re fortunate to have such a rich and varied theater scene here so that as one of Columbus’ only ensemble companies, we can offer something different that no one else is doing,” she said.
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All 2024-2025 performances are to take place at the Riffe Center’s Studio One or Two Theatres, 77 S. High St.
'Lunch Bunch'
Sept. 19-Oct. 5: Studio Two
Adrian Einspanier’s off-Broadway comedy, in its Columbus premiere, focuses on seven public defenders seeking meaning and belonging amid burnout and existential dread while fighting battles with child protective services (CPS).
“They’re trying to find the perfect lunch, a small joy when everything else is chaos,” said Papaleonardos, who is to direct the play. “This hard-hitting one-act reveals the humanity of people working to making a difference in thankless jobs."
'Untitled Home Project'
Feb. 27-March 5, Studio Two
Collaborating with area poets, dancers and playwrights, the company’s ensemble develops a new play focused on themes of home.
“What makes us search for home and keep looking for it? Not just about a physical home, but about longing and belonging, this piece will be a wonderful collaboration with a multitude of voices from Columbus,” Papaleonardos said.
“Ensemble-devised pieces are our hallmark, but we haven’t been able to do one since the pandemic and we’re so excited to get back to it."
'Rock Egg Spoon'
May 1-17, Studio One
Noah Diaz’s 2018 play offers a modern and mournful American epic about privilege, discovery and a voyage by Louis N. Clark to map America’s uncharted territory in a fantastical 1804, aided by Bigfoot, Sacagawea and his own bravado.
A recipient of the Kennedy Center’s Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award, the 90-minute production is to be a follow-up to Diaz’s off-Broadway play “You Will Get Sick,” which the troupe staged in April.
“Now deeply in love with Diaz's work and gorgeous words, the entire company couldn't wait to program something else by him. You’re laughing one moment and then deeply moved in the next,” Papaleonardos said.
At a glance
Season subscriptions, available now, cost $100 to $300. All single tickets are pay what you want at the door, or $25 if reserved online in advance.
For more information, visit avltheatre.com or cbusarts.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Available Light Theatre: See new season lineup for 2024-2025
