Based on Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago’s phantasmagorical novel, adapted by Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), Blindness begins with the nightmarish premise of a pandemic that causes blindness. In an immersive sound and light installation, the production features the recorded audio performance of the Olivier Award-winning actress Juliet Stevenson (Truly, Madly, Deeply), for a wholly unique experience. Hailed by The Guardian as “an exquisitely told story of resilience, violence, and hope,” this remarkable work of art posits the paranoia of governmental indifference to the plight of the suffering, yet offers a message of hope in times of darkness. This actor-less installation, limited to 40 guests at a time, will be a welcoming first step back into Sidney Harman Hall.
WELCOME VIDEO
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for the hundredth time, your experience at Blindness will be unique. Watch this video to learn more about the new safety measures in place for your visit.
Reviews
“CRITIC’S PICK…A stimulating sojourn back to in-person theater.” –The New York Times
“STUNNING…A once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience.” –BroadwayWorld
“BRILLIANT…A transformative sound-and-light installation that speaks to our age.” –DC Metro Theater Arts
“An INDELIBLE EXPERIENCE…Go. To. This. Production.” –MD Theatre Guide
“MESMERIZING…You must see and feel this for yourself.” –The Georgetown Dish
“WONDEROUS…A gripping adventure of sight and sound.” –Metro Weekly
“TERRIFYINGLY ENTHRALLING.” –Washington Blade
“SKILLFUL…The sound engineering is impeccable and the performance is arresting.” –Two Hours’ Traffic
“COMPELLING…All should hasten to catch this immersive, actor-less, surround-sound experience.” –K Street Magazine
“A CLEVER and COMPELLING way to reopen the theatre.” –BroadwayWorld
“INVENTIVE…A magnificent piece of narration, gripping and believable.” –WhatsOnStage
“TIMELY…An exquisitely told story of resilience, violence, and hope.” –The Guardian
“INGENIOUS…Artistically and technologically pioneering.” –The Telegraph
“UNFORGETTABLE…That it also speaks so eloquently to our Covid-afflicted present and our common humanity is an exhilarating testament to the power and necessity of art—not least at times of crisis.” –Metro
“WONDERFUL…Captures the sublime moments of hope in the midst of the horror.” –British Theatre
Your safety is our priority. STC was granted a waiver by the D.C. Government’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency specifically for this event.
On May 10, Mayor Bowser announced that Washington, D.C., will lift most of its COVID-19 capacity restrictions starting on Friday, May 21, with large entertainment venues—such as STC—allowed to reopen with no capacity restrictions on Friday, June 11. And on May 17, the Mayor lifted the mask mandate.
As Blindness is designed to offer an immersive, intimate experience, seating capacity remains at 40. At this time, we ask that attendees remain masked while indoors. We will continue to keep our Health and Safety guidelines up-to-date.
Highlights of the safety precautions we will be taking at each seating include:
- Masks will be worn by all patrons and staff at all times. STC will provide masks as needed.
- If you do not feel well, please stay home. Contact the Box Office to discuss rescheduling your attendance.
- Seating is limited to 40 people, sitting in pairs on the stage, socially distanced from each other. No patron will be sitting next to someone they did not come to the theatre with. NOTE: Although most seats are sold in pairs, a limited number of single seats are available at each seating.
- Venue doors will open 20 minutes prior to each seating. Contactless check-in is offered at the door for all patrons. No physical tickets will be exchanged. STC will offer a digital program instead of a physical, printed copy.
- Headsets, seats, and flashlights will be disinfected before every seating, and all bathrooms and lobby spaces cleaned before the next seating group enters the building.
- Our theatre’s HVAC system meets the current recommended air-flow guidelines with MERV-13 air filters, and all air filters were replaced in November 2020. The HVAC system will use fresh air only (not recycled), before and during all performances.
- Our concessions bar is closed and food and drink are not allowed in the theatre or lobby.
- A trained Safety Compliance Officer will be on site at every seating to ensure all safety guidelines are followed and to address any questions or concerns.
View STC’s comprehensive Health and Safety guidelines here
Seats for Blindness are sold in pairs. To inquire about individual seats, please call the box office at 202.547.1122.
If you have any accessibility needs, please call the box office at 202.547.1122.
All titles, artists and dates subject to change.
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Details
Blindness
May 1, 2021 - Jul 3, 2021
Supported in part by:
2020/21 Season Sponsor:
Michael R. Klein and Joan Fabry
Additional production support:
Marcel C. LaFollette and Jeffrey K. Stine
Abbe Lowell and Molly Meegan
Judi Seiden
Share Fund
Restaurant Partner:
Photos from The Donmar Warehouse's 2020 production of Blindness by Helen Maybanks.
2020/21 Season Sponsor:
Michael R. Klein and Joan Fabry
Additional production support:
Marcel C. LaFollette and Jeffrey K. Stine
Abbe Lowell and Molly Meegan
Judi Seiden
Share Fund
Restaurant Partner:
Photos from The Donmar Warehouse's 2020 production of Blindness by Helen Maybanks. The Performers
(Tap for bio)
Juliet Stevenson
Narrator/Doctor's Wife
The Artistic Team
(Tap for bio)
Simon Stephens
Playwright
Walter Meierjohann
Director
Jessica Hung Han Yun
Lighting Designer
Ben and Max Ringham
Sound Designer
Lizzie Clachen
Design
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