Northern Virginia’s The Hub Theatre specializes “in new plays that highlight our common humanity,” said Matt Bassett, Hub Artistic Director. “We are excited to present the regional premiere of ‘The Burn’ by playwright Philip Dawkins. This Burn explores what happens to a teacher and his students when a classroom conflict turns into an online witch-hunt.”
“’The Burn’ is a contemporary examination of ‘The Crucible’ using social media as its lens,” said Bassett. A high school production of “‘The Crucible’ tensions escalate into acts of bullying – both online and IRL” (in real life).
“That anonymity, which is such a huge part of our modern life, brings great responsibility. Dawkins’ play does a great job of illustrating how much power one person can have in the life of another and challenges each of us to use that power to help,” said Bassett.
In directing “The Burn,” Bassett has cast a cast of local performers, each making their official Hub Theatre debut. The cast includes: Gabby Wolfe, Chloe Mikala, Christina Day, Rae Venna and Elliott Kashner.
As for the scenic design, the audience will find themselves in a classroom, a courtroom, a living social media platform, and the Internet all in one place. The creative design team includes a number of returning Hub collaborators, Elizabeth Zuck as set designer, Catherine Girardi as lighting designer, Reid May as sound designer, Amy Kellett as props designer and Hub newcomer Grace Mitchell as costume designer.
Bassett was clear about why he wanted to direct “The Burn.”
“Dawkins’ depth of character, dexterity with setting and sparkling dialogue attracted me to it as a full production. His work always plays well for us due to its meshing with Hub's sensibilities: tell a simple story with complexity of character and bold theatrical opportunity.”
“The Burn” is the first full production of Hub’s Season 11 in its temporary venue at the NextStop Theatre performance space in Herndon. “NextStop has been a friend to The Hub. We are thrilled to play in their house for this production,” said Bassett. “The NextStop space itself is our flavor: simple, effective with lots of staging opportunity.”
“I am so excited and honored to be hosting The Hub at NextStop. I have long been a huge fan of their work and it’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to support our fellow local theater-makers,” said Evan Hoffmann, producing artistic director, NextStop Theatre.
The Hub Theatre presents “The Burn,” at NextStop Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, April 26 to May 11. Tickets at www.thehubtheatre.org or at the door on the day of the performance.
Where and When
The Hub Theatre presents “The Burn,” performing at NextStop Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Performances: April 26 to May 11, 2019. April 26, 27, May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8 p.m.; April 27, 28, May 4, 5, 11 at 2 p.m.; and April 28 and May 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $32 adults, $22 seniors and $20 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.thehubtheatre.org or at the door on the day of the performance.