Baltimore Waltz and Confession: A Note from the Artistic Directors

Welcome to another first at the Dragon! As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we head into the uncharted territory of repertory theater, a theatrical tradition that goes back centuries, but is new to us. Why are we doing this? Because sometimes it takes looking at things from different points of view to get clarity. We bring to you in this ‘rotating repertory’ two brilliant plays directed by two thoughtful and generous directors, leading one incredible production team of designers, technicians and a team of five amazing actors. It has been such a delight for us to experience these plays back to back, and seeing as different as they are in tone and style, how they reflect off of one another in the themes they explore or the questions they ask. One play is by a giant among American playwrights, Paula Vogel (our first ever Vogel play!), and one is a world premiere by local playwright Barry Slater. Whether in Confession or The Baltimore Waltz you see through the mists of 80’s nostalgia, to a world you still recognize now. Be swept away by the personal tragedy and comedy of it all. We hope you enjoy, and get a chance to experience both sides of our little journey back in time! 

Alika & Max Koknar
Co-Artistic Directors

Anne of the Thousand Days: A Word from the Artistic Directors

Dragon’s 2nd Stages Program is one of the biggest factors that attracted Max and myself to take up the role of Co-Artistic Directors at the Dragon. Giving local artists opportunities to produce their passion projects in the Bay area, where options can be limited, really makes our job so worthwhile. 

Melinda Marks left quite a lasting impression with her robust pitch of Maxwell Anderson's play Anne of the Thousand Days. We could tell that Melinda had done her homework and that Anderson's text really had struck an artistic chord with her. The story of King Henry VIII and his courting of Anne Boleyn and the founding of The Church of England has always been a personal fascination, and with the today’s Me Too movement, the themes of gender power dynamics resonate even louder. Melinda’s approach to this production not only serves the story spectacularly, but also pays forward the opportunity she got in producing this show by creating roles for brilliant actors who may not otherwise get to play any roles quite like these. You're in for quite a treat! 

Alika & Max Koknar