Synetic Theater’s “Host and Guest”

Washington, D.C. (July 27, 2022)–Synetic Theater opens its 2022–2023 season with Host and Guest, September 12 through October 2 at Synetic’s home theater in National Landing. The heartbreakingly beautiful tale of warring factions garner international acclaim and established Synetic’s signature Physical Theater style when it first premiered 20 years ago as an artistic response to 9/11. Tickets are on sale now at www.synetictheater.org.

“Given all that is happening these days in the United States, in Ukraine, in the Caucasus, and around the world, the entire Synetic company felt that now was the right time to revisit Host and Guest. Its themes of respect, hospitality, honor, and humanity–despite our differences–are so important in this moment,” said Synetic Theater’s co-founder and Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili.

Host and Guest is a timely tale of war, strife, the beliefs that tear us apart and the humanity that brings us together. Based on Georgian poet Vazha Pshavela’s 19th-century narrative poem, the story follows a family who takes in a lost stranger in the greater Caucasus mountains, only to discover he is from an enemy clan, and their valiant attempt to save him when their village seeks violent vengeance.

Synetic Theater co-founders Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili first brought Host and Guest to the stage in 2002, as an artistic response to the cultural upheaval in the wake of 9/11, and restaged it 2008 in response to Russia’s re-invasion of Georgia. It has since toured internationally, earning high praise, with the Washington Post naming it one of the best performances of the decade (2000-2009) and the New York Times praising it as “beautifully choreographed…gory and breathtakingly sad.”

Marking its 20th anniversary, this production of Host and Guest returns with updated sets, costumes and production design to complement the award-winning staging and choreography. As the sole U.S. theatrical performance of Host and Guest, the cast will feature Romanian-born, Los Angeles-based actor Dan Istrate as Joqola and Georgian-born, founding company member, Irakli Kavsadze as Musa, the role originated by his late father. Irinia Tsikurishvili will reprise her role as Joqala’s wife Agaza.

“We first put on this powerful play following the tragedy of 9/11. In 2008, Russia invaded my home country again and I brought Host and Guest back to advocate for peace. Now in 2022, I feel déjá vu with the war in Ukraine, and the ‘Red State, Blue State’ divides here in the U.S., I feel like I am traveling in time and watching history repeat itself,” remarked Mr. Tsikurishvili. “Without even uttering a word, Host and Guest says a lot. It’s teaching us a lot about the world and about finding unity and common ground within a divided society.”

September 12 through October 2, 2022

Following the Monday, September 12 opening (7pm curtain), performances are offered on:

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA at the Crystal City Metro & Shops

Tickets are $25 to $65 and are available online at www.synetictheater.org.

For up to date COVID-19 safety protocols please visit Synetic Theater’s website.

Line listing: Two strangers meet and form a formidable bond that explores the ultimate taboo – giving comfort to the enemy.