John Webster's

The Duchess of Malfi

October 25 – November 18, 2018
In repertory with The Changeling
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8pm
Saturday at 3pm and 8pm
Sunday at 2pm and 7pm

Inspired by a true story, The Duchess of Malfi follows the tragic efforts of a noblewoman to marry for love and to free herself of the writhing political, religious, and erotic web spun by her family. This macabre, punk beauty of a play draws together extraordinary language, violent delights, humanity and humor, and some of the most complex and memorable characters in Jacobean drama.

Join us in the fall of 2018 and explore depraved violence, sexual obsession, and female determination with us in two of the greatest tragedies written for the early modern stage.

A note about content: The staging and discussion of these plays will engage with depictions of sexual assault, mental illness, ableism, and self-harm.  Please be advised that gunfire will be used in both shows. 

These shows are not recommended for children under the age of 16. 

Buy Tickets

The Lab at Convergence
1819 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302
2 hours and 30 minutes
Regular Tickets $20
Special Events
Thursday, October 25, 8pm: Pay What You Can Preview – tickets $10 in advance or name your price at the door
Monday, November 12, 8pm: Industry Night – $15 tickets for theatre professionals
Saturday, November 10, prior to the matinee performance: Pre-show lecture with dramaturg Claire Kimball
Saturday, November 11, following the matinee performance: Post-show talkback with the artists
Cast

Charlie Cook Castruccio
Katie Culligan Duchess
Ryan Fields Malatesti
Jared H. Graham Antonio

Musa Gurnis Cariola
Adrianne Knapp Julia
Steve Lebens the Cardinal
Ben Peter Pescara

Danielle Scott Delio
Rebecca Speas Bosola
Ian Blackwell Rogers Ferdinand

Production Team

Casey Kaleba Director / Fight Director
Madeline Belknap Costume Designer
Alex Brady Lighting Designer

Jordan Friend Sound Designer
Laura Hawk Stage Manager
Claire Kimball Dramaturg

Briana Manente Makeup Designer
Daniel Mori Set Consultant
Emily Sucher Intimacy Choreographer

An iron will defines the leads in these modern dress productions, which share an ensemble of less than a dozen actors. Katie Culligan is resolutely determined as the Duchess, and in “The Changeling” Danielle Scott’s iron spirit is never fully crushed, which adds heroic dimension.

Nelson Pressley, The Washington Post

Under the sure-handed direction of Casey Kaleba, The Duchess of Malfi is top-notch theatre full of verbal wrath, physical terror, and compelling characters. It is gripping for any and all to seek out and savor.

David Siegel, DC Metro Theater Arts

Another fine achievement by the ambitious, insightful, and powerful Brave Spirits.

Joshua Engel, Theatre Bloom

In a role designed for scenery-chewing, Ian Blackwell Rogers consumes the stage with lip-smacking satisfaction. Half Beetlejuice, half The Joker (as played by the late, great Heath Ledger), Rogers gives us a manic, energetic Ferdinand, wide-eyed and obsessive, who commits his evil with such joyful expressiveness that you are half tempted to root for him.

Tim Treanor, DC Theatre Scene

Production Archive

PROGRAM

LUNATIC REP DRAMATURGY

POSTCARD

REHEARSAL SCRIPT

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

PRESS RELEASE

SCRIPT

ACTOR TRACKS

Lollio_crop
Questioning Clowning
“You’re no fun.” That was Casey’s directing note to me. Specifically, it was his suggestion for how… Read More back-arrow
DuchessPress (3)
Early Modern Mix Tape
“Where do you get your ideas?” No matter how cringe-worthy a question this is, some brave… Read More back-arrow
DuchessPress (2)
Spotlight On: BST Dynamic Duo
Our coverage of Brave Spirits Theatre’s ongoing repertory continues as we introduce some of… Read More back-arrow
Load More No more items to show
Support for BST

The 2018-2019 season is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Nora Roberts Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Virginia Commission for the Arts
Nora Roberts Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts