MEET IN THE POLITICAL MIDDLE AT IRT’S THE ORIGINALIST

A thoughtful, witty and open-minded look at one of America’s most galvanizing political figures, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

The Indiana Repertory Theatre brings a relatively new and highly praised play to stage this fall. The Originalist, written by America playwright John Strand and directed by Playwright-in-Residence James Still, has been produced by four regional theatres and will appear in a fifth and new production in its Indiana premiere on the IRT Upperstage from October 17 through November 12.

“When I first heard about this play from a colleague, I knew I wanted to read it “said Janet Allen, IRT’s Executive Artistic Director. “Scalia was such a polarizing American icon, and his presence in a play makes us learn more about the difference between a person and their convictions, and poses us the challenge of listening through our prejudices to the person themselves .” 

The Originalist is the story of a dynamic camaraderie between Supreme Court Justice Scalia and his counter-clerk, Cat, who seeks to prove that her liberal convictions do not make her less qualified to clerk for a conservative Justice of the Supreme Court. Throughout the play, the audience is at the center of lively and heated conversations, and experience how two people learn lessons from each other.

Taking on the momentous role of Supreme Court Justice Scalia is actor, Henry Woronicz, who will carefully embrace the polarizing and aggressive, yet humorous and charming persona of the iconic Justice.  

“This production is not a bio play or docudrama—although excerpts from his consents and opinions are included—but the play does use the character Scalia to get to the question: What does it cost us to suppress our fear and distrust to take a step toward the middle and address the monsters?” said Strand in a note. 

Helping Scalia understand how his stance can affect the opposition is Cat, played by Washington D.C native and IRT newcomer Ayanna Bria Bakari. This young, liberal, female character is not only concerned with her justice’s brand of Originalism; she wants to know what happened to the political middle.

Although Cat’s character as Scalia’s law clerk is fictitious, Justice Scalia often employed the help of counter-clerks to obtain a more robust understanding of divided political topics. Within Cat’s character are many things that Scalia appeared to have advocated against.

“This play is the perfect embodiment of how theatre can ignite conversation in our time. It says: yes there are polarities in our country and this is how we go about them in public discourse,” said Still.  “Audiences don’t have to know anything about Scalia or Originalism to engage with this play.”

To learn more about this production visit irtlive.com. Tickets start at $25.


DETAILS

What: The Originalist
When:  Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street
Where:  IRT Upperstage, 4th floor
Approximate Run Time: 100 minutes
Age: Recommended for patrons 9th grade and older
Content advisory: Strong language and adult themes

CAST & THE CREATIVE TEAM

Ayanna Bria Bakari, Cat
Jeb Burris, Brad
Henry Woronicz, Antonin Scalia

James Still, Director
Reuben Lucas, Scenic Design
Guy Clark, Costume Design
Betsey Cooprider-Bernstein, Lighting Design
Jason Tuttle, Sound Design

James Still, IRT’s Playwright-in-Residence, celebrates his 20th season with the IRT. To learn more about his celebratory season, click here.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday, October 20, performance at 7:30 p.m. | Opening Night
Join the IRT for opening night and experience the theatre like you never have before! Immediately following this performance join cast, staff and patrons in the lobby for appetizers and a celebratory champagne toast. Afterwards join us on stage to explore the set and connect with the artisans who bring the set to life. 

Saturday, October 21, performance at 1:00 p.m. | Post-Show Discussion
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.
 *Select performances only

Sunday, October 29, performance at 2:00 p.m. | IRTea Talk & American Sign Language/Audio Devices (ASL/AD)
Indiana University Professor Beth Cate, from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs will lead a panel discussion immediately following the matinee. The discussion is paired with tea and cookies. Post-show discussions typically last for 20

Tuesday, October 31, performance at 6:30 p.m. | Halloween Happy Hour
Join the IRT for a happy hour event you won’t want to miss!  Enjoy complimentary appetizers from our Happy Hour series sponsor Weber Grill. New Day Craft, Taxman Brewing Co. and St. Joseph Brewery will also be on site for patrons to sample local libations. Half-price drinks will be available throughout the performance.  Happy Hour starts at 5:30 p.m., the performance starts at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday November 5, performance at 2:00 p.m. | Post-Show Discussion
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes. 
 *Select performances only

Thursday, November 9, performance at 2 p.m. | Cookies and Coffee   
Coffee, tea and cookies can be enjoyed before this matinee performance. Doors open at 1 p.m., the performance starts at 2 p.m. 
     
Saturday November 11, performance at 4:00 p.m. | Backstage Tour
Immediately following this performance, join IRT staff for an explorative and informative backstage tour. Tours typically list 30 minutes.  ​