One To Watch, Way Theatre Artists

Way Theatre Artists made its debut in March 2007 at the Calderwood Pavilion’s Deane Hall with the critically acclaimed Dancing at Lughnasa.  Way defines its mission: to develop and encourage one another as a network of artists realizing a more enriching process, professional development and personal reward, while exploring and conveying universal themes. The ultimate goal is greater illumination in our selves and our audiences.  With the definition of “way” being, a passage or progress along a course, Way Theatre Artists seeks to be that passage for its company members and the theatre community at large.

Way’s Julie Levene serves as artistic director, actor, director and dramaturg and has worked with local companies such as The Huntington, Company One and Theatre 11:11.   Rounding out leadership are Way’s two artistic associates, fringe favorites Eliza Lay and Greg Maraio.  The three met while working with Theatre 11:11 where Julie was Marketing Director. After departing from 11:11 (all three retain a great rapport with 11:11) to pursue other interests, the three found themselves missing their shared passion and chemistry and wishing to work together again. Way was born out of that need to reconnect to each other and continue to develop their talents.  According to Levene, they look for work that moves them, not necessarily premiers, but work that enhances the Boston theatre landscape and have also enlisted the advice of their supporters in the form of a community survey on their website. 

Way’s next undertaking is the 1992 Pulitzer Prize winner The Kentucky Cycle by Robert Schenkkan (a co-production with Zeitgeist Stage Company).  Featuring twenty actors from Way and Zeitgeist portraying 100 roles from seven generations of three families, The Kentucky Cycle follows the Rowan family over a 200-year period from its earliest vestiges as a pioneer family in the Appalachians to present day.  Cycle is a nine-play series which will play in rep as two three-hour shows during a seven week run starting in October at the Boston Center for the Arts.  Levene sees the project as “embodying the spirit of Boston theatre and our own mission, to produce profound material of universal appeal and enlighten theatre audiences and artists alike.”

You can reach Way Theatre Artists on the Web at www.wayplays.com. Be sure to check out The Kentucky Cycle October 6 – November 17 at Boston Center for the Arts, and look for two new productions in February and May of 2008.

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