KISS at Wilma Theater

Digital theater trailblazer The Wilma Theater is offering a streaming version of its onstage production of KISS, available to view on demand from Feb. 20-March 5.

This streaming version was filmed in front of a live audience on stage at the Wilma Theater by Leslie Rivera, who captured and edited the Wilma’s digital productions of Fat Ham, Cherry Orchard, and Minor Character. This taping was filmed with multiple cameras and edited to offer an immersive view of the performance.

The Wilma Theater has solidified itself as a leader in digital theater with its previously filmed productions. The Wilma’s 2021 digital production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Drama winning play by Wilma Co-Artistic Director James Ijames, was named one of the best virtual productions in 2021 by The New York Times. 

“I would recommend this hilarious, gut-wrenching, and provocative production of Kiss to everyone,” wrote Broad Street Review. “I left the theater with a sense of hope and a desire to do better as an ally and co-conspirator”.

In KISS, a group of American actors performing a Syrian soap opera are shocked to realize the limits of their own cultural understanding.

KISS was directed by Syrian-born University of the Arts Professor Fadi Skeiker, making his Wilma debut, and features members of the Wilma HotHouse Company. “The play asks: What does it mean when someone else is representing you?” Skeiker said. 

KISS digital streaming tickets are $29 and can be purchased at wilmatheater.org. Tickets are one stream per purchase, and links will be sent to view KISS anytime from Feb 20-March 5. 

The cast of KISS includes Wilma Theater HotHouse Acting Company Members Justin Jain, Taysha Marie Canales, Sarah Gliko, Anthony Martinez-Briggs, and Steven Rishard, along with performer Lois Abdelmalek, who made her Wilma debut with Kiss. The creative team includes Set Designer Jian Jung, Lighting Designer Reza Behjat, Costume Designer LeVonne Lindsay, Assistant Director Zaina Dana, Dialect Coach Fajer Al-Kaisi, Covid Safety Officer Elliot Greer, Sound Designer/Composer/Music Director Damien Figueras, Stage Manager Patreshettarlini Adams, and Dramaturg Rayya El Zein.