Matt Polson and Katrinah Carol Lewis. Photos by Jason Collins Photography
River Ditty
April 20 – May 6, 2018
World Premiere
In Partnership with Tony and Olivier Award-winning Glass Half Full Productions
The November Theatre
Marjorie Arenstein Stage
Previews April 18 and 19
By Matthew Mooney Keuter
Directed by Nathaniel Shaw
"It's refreshing, and somewhat unusual, to see a new play that's traditional in the best sense of the word. No flashy theatrics or convoluted plot tricks, just solid storytelling with compelling characters. That's the case with this world premiere."
Please make your plans now to become one of the first audiences in the nation to see this brand new, epic American drama. River Ditty sweeps us from New Orleans' Storyville Disctrict, up the mighty Mississippi, into the woods of Arkansas. Pursued by their dangerous past, Arlo and Sunshine set off on a journey of self-determination, finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Keuter skillfully weaves many of today’s most pressing social issues into a turn of the twentieth century folktale, challenging a new generation to break away from the hatred, violence, and bigotry passed down through family lines.
Starring Katrinah Carol Lewis and Matt Polson
Videography by Matt Polson
Folk duo Red Tail Ring blends the loving attention of revivalist fervor with the raw creativity of brand new sounds. Their covers of traditional American music, including "Some Folks Do," a new recording for River Ditty (listen to a teaser below), are woven through the production to lend atmosphere and a sense of an era gone by.
Press Release
Dinner before the show
Enjoy a meal at nearby Max's on Broad or Tarrant's Cafe.
Connect
No RSVP required. Free and open to anyone who attends a performance of River Ditty.
Four Thoughts Pre-Show Discussion
Thirty minutes before the performance, experts will share four thoughts and ideas to give context to the production.
- Sunday, April 22: Artistic Director Nathaniel Shaw will host a discussion about new play development with playwright Matthew Mooney Keuter and dramaturg Jane Mattingly.
- Sunday, May 6: Artistic Director Nathaniel Shaw will host representatives from the YWCA, our community partner, and playwright Matthew Mooney Keuter.
Post-Show Talkbacks
After the performance, Virginia Rep will host a panel discussion for approximately twenty minutes.
- Thursday, May 3: Artistic Director Nathaniel Shaw will host a discussion about new play development with playwright Matthew Mooney Keuter and cast members of River Ditty.