Letter from the Artistic Director

LETTER FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

DEAR FRIENDS,

Welcome to the second half of our 49th season! Thank you for joining us for Yoga Play. If we’ve learned anything over the course of these past two years, we’ve learned that even our best laid plans are no match for mother nature. We’re extremely grateful to you for your flexibility and dedication as we continue to navigate the everchanging challenges of the pandemic.

This Covid time tends to leave us feeling isolated and uncertain. Now, more than ever, we need the opportunity to share the joy of common experiences. With your support, we’ll continue to produce work in the context of the safety guidelines and best practices outlined by our unions, Syracuse University, Onondaga County, and the CDC. Whenever we can do so in a manner that is safe for our audience, staff and artists, we will do our best to offer relief and refuge and provide a ray of optimism and a sense of community for all.

In this context, we’re proud to produce the East Coast premiere of Dipika Guha’s satirical comedy, Yoga Play. Guha’s play has been on our minds (and in our season) for the past two years. Her work seems especially timely in this moment when our forced isolation has fostered an explosion of the athleisure wear industry. (I’m writing this note while wearing some pretty comfy and seriously overpriced trousers that we used to call sweatpants…). In the very capable hands of our new associate artistic director Melissa Crespo, who is joined by a stellar cast and creative team, this revealing and spot on comedy should prove just the right antidote for our cold Syracuse winter.

Thank you for continuing to make Syracuse Stage a part of your life. Enjoy Yoga Play!

With warm regards,

ROBERT HUPP. PHOTO: BRENNA MERRITT. 

Bob Hupp Artistic Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7 | Letter from the Artistic Director 11 | Title 12 | Taking Photos in the Theatre 13 | Cast & Credits 18 | Dramaturgical 26 | Cast & Artistic Staff Bios 36 | Who We Are Our Mission Our Vision Our Core Values 37 | About Syracuse Stage Anti-Racism Pledge Land Acknowledgement In the Community 44 | Board of Trustees 45 | Emeritus Circle Education Advocacy Board Young Adult Council 46 | Corporate, Foundation & Government Sponsors 48 | Sponsors 49 | Individual, Corporate, Foundation, & Government Gifts 50 | In Tribute 61 | Planned Giving Matching Gift Program 62 | Staff

PROGRAM BOOK

Director of Marketing and Communications: Joseph Whelan Advertising: Joanna Penalva Layout: Jonathan Hudak Cover Design: Brenna Merritt Yoga Play | January 19 - February 6, 2022 The Syracuse Stage program is produced six times a year. For advertising rates and information contact Joanna Penalva at 315-443-2636. Printed by QMC Group.