Off-Broadway's Ars Nova has announced the lineup for its 2023–2024 season, including two premiere plays.
The fall Off-Broadway premiere, (pray), is described as "a sacred offering" by playwright nicHi douglas. Directed and choreographed by douglas, with music by S T A R R Busby and JJJJJerome Ellis, the play blends music, movement, and human connection to explore spiritual inheritance across the African diaspora. (pray) will run September 23–October 28 at Ars Nova's downtown satellite stage at Greenwich House.
The spring Off-Broadway premiere, Travels, brings electronic music to the fore as a sonic narrative collection by James Harrison Monaco. Using synthesizers to tell the story of modern-day travel, the set list explores the highs and lows of adventure, heartbreak, and euphoria as Monaco guides audiences through a cultural topography. Directed by Andrew Scoville, Travels will run March 15–April 13, 2024, at Ars Nova.
Casting and additional creative team information for both productions will be announced at a later date. The Ars Nova season will also include more than 50 events showcasing genre-bending new work.
This season doubles the amount of programming from previous seasons, while continuing to uphold the company's Name Your Price ticket initiative that allows audience members to see shows for as little as $5.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” says Producing Executive Director Renee Blinkwolt. “Our community of innovative and forward-thinking artists, dedicated and visionary arts workers, and thoughtful and committed supporters has proven time and again that the future of our theatre is bright when we work together and center humanity, access, and art.”
Ars Nova has also announced leadership staffing additions: Anna Morton has been named Associate Artistic Director, Artistic Development & Programs, and Andrew Neisler has been named Associate Artistic Director, Discovery & Programming. The pair will drive all artistic activity. Long-standing General Manager Casey York has been named Managing Director and will join Producing Executive Director Blinkwolt and Founding Artistic Director Jason Eagan as the executive leadership of the organization.
For more information on the upcoming productions, as well as the Ars Nova annual Nova Ball, visit ArsNovaNYC.com.
