Rec Room Arts Announces 2018-2019 Season - EXIT STRATEGY, HANSEL AND GRETEL, and More

Rec Room Arts launches into their third year with a powerhouse of a season that boldly tackles several of America's most divisive issues: guns, education, and race. The lineup, consisting exclusively of regional premieres and world premiere adaptations, includes a regional premiere of EXIT STRATEGY by Ike Holter, award-winning playwright of last year's hit play SENDER; a remount of Houston's newest, immersive holiday tradition, HANSEL AND GRETEL; a regional premiere of ON THE EXHALE by Martín Zimmerman; a regional premiere of THE ROYALE by Marco Ramirez; and a world premiere adaptation of Georg Büchner's groundbreaking 19th century play, WOYZECK.

"When putting together the season, it was impossible for us to ignore the role that art plays in a world that feels increasingly chaotic and out of control," said Executive Director, Stephanie Wittels Wachs. Artistic Director Matt Hune echoed these sentiments: "These are mad, crazy times for sure. Every day, it gets more and more baffling. Those with the loudest voices and the most power continue to spout what sounds to many like nonsense, not answers, and we, as citizens, have to be more active in the fight. The characters in these plays are also deciding whether 'to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles.' That is the question and spirit of our season."

As Hune reflected upon themes that would lead to meaningful thought and dialogue for our audiences, guns seemed like an obvious choice. It's an issue that's being ferociously debated at dinner tables, on Twitter, and in Congress. Our season tells the story of a conflicted America grappling with gun violence and school shootings, the state of education, and race relations.

Now, more than ever, art has to play a role in "building our future." To that end, Rec Room Arts will be partnering this season with Everytown for Gun Safety, a grassroots, non-profit organization that is committed to improving our world for future generations. This season, Rec Room Arts will offer patrons the option to include a donation to Everytown for Gun Safety when they purchase tickets to any Rec Room event. Since our season addresses themes that are particularly charged and challenging, Rec Room will be holding regular post-show talk backs with the audience, artists, and community leaders to provide a platform for constructive community debate and engagement.

"To some, Rec Room is small potatoes, but to me, Rec Room is massive," says Hune. "It's the place that provides Houston artists, including me, the opportunity to share our heart, soul, and guts so that we can perhaps contribute to progress in our city, country, and world. We are small, but we have a mighty voice."

Visit www.recroomarts.org for more information.

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