Based on Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago’s phantasmagorical novel, adapted by Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), Blindness begins with the nightmarish premise of a pandemic that causes blindness. In an immersive sound and light installation, the production features the recorded audio performance of the Olivier Award-winning actress Juliet Stevenson (Truly, Madly, Deeply), for a wholly unique experience. Hailed by The Guardian as “an exquisitely told story of resilience, violence, and hope,” this remarkable work of art posits the paranoia of governmental indifference to the plight of the suffering, yet offers a message of hope in times of darkness. This actor-less installation, limited to 40 guests at a time, will be a welcoming first step back into Sidney Harman Hall.

All titles, artists and dates subject to change.

Reviews

“BRILLIANT…Provocative, disturbing, yet with glimmers of hope near the end.” –New York Times

“A CLEVER and COMPELLING way to reopen the theatre.” –BroadwayWorld

“INVENTIVE…A magnificent piece of narration, gripping and believable.” –WhatsOnStage

“TIMELY…An exquisitely told story of resilience, violence, and hope.” –The Guardian

“INGENIOUS…Artistically and technologically pioneering.” –The Telegraph

“UNFORGETTABLE…That it also speaks so eloquently to our Covid-afflicted present and our common humanity is an exhilarating testament to the power and necessity of art—not least at times of crisis.” –Metro

“WONDERFUL…Captures the sublime moments of hope in the midst of the horror.” –British Theatre

Your safety is our priority. STC was granted a waiver by the D.C. Government’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency specifically for this event. Highlights of the safety precautions we will be taking at each seating include:

• Masks will be worn by all patrons and staff at all times. STC will provide masks as needed.
• If you do not feel well, please stay home. Contact the Box Office to discuss rescheduling your attendance.
• Seating is limited to 40 people, sitting in pairs on the stage, socially distanced from each other. No patron will be sitting next to someone they did not come to the theatre with. NOTE: Although most seats are sold in pairs, a limited number of single seats are available at each seating.
• Venue doors will open 20 minutes prior to each seating. Patrons will check in at the box office. No physical tickets will be exchanged. STC will offer a digital program instead of a physical, printed copy.
• Headsets, seats, and flashlights will be disinfected before every seating, and all bathrooms and lobby spaces cleaned before the next seating group enters the building.
• Our theatre’s HVAC system meets the current recommended air-flow guidelines with MERV-13 air filters, and all air filters were replaced in November 2020. The HVAC system will use fresh air only (not recycled), before and during all performances.
• Our concessions bar is closed and food and drink are not allowed in the theatre or lobby.
• A trained Safety Compliance Officer will be on site at every seating to ensure all safety guidelines are followed and to address any questions or concerns.

View STC’s comprehensive Health and Safety guidelines here

Seats for Blindness are sold in pairs. To inquire about individual seats, please call the box office at 202.547.1122.

If you have any accessibility needs, please call the box office at 202.547.1122.