HOW THE WORD BEGAN…
Over a year ago, I received a call from Robert Egan, a friend and a very talented director from Los Angeles. He was developing a new pay that would be bold and daring, push limits, ask big questions but supply no answers. It would be perfect for Signature. He knew our audience would “get” this play and not be afraid of it. I was intrigued.

So I read the play and thought, “Let’s do it.” I committed to workshopping the piece—to see it, hear it, experience it and also let our audiences respond. It’s not everyday that we are exposed to the world of hip-hop and slam poetry in a theatrical setting. It’s not everyday we are exposed to prejudice, politics, love and believing. Robert was developing a very special and very personal piece of theater that could touch all audiences.

During the workshop last winter, two young writers and performers—Steve Connell and Sekou (tha misfit)—poured their hearts and souls into a unique theatrical experience that had people laughing, crying, insulted and mad as hell at the world around them. As a theatrical producer, it’s always less risky to present works that are known, safe. But I have always believed in challenging artists and audiences. How can we grow as individuals and how can we promote change in our lives and the world if we are not introduced to new experiences?

The ARK Theatre has provided Signature with an amazing playground. We’ve pushed the limits of storytelling. We’ve produced daring works that have asked big questions. We’ve traveled a bold road full of creative, daring works. The Word Begins is the third installment of this journey. How exciting to have something so new and fresh, so original and so meaningful in out theater.

An artist and a producer, I am proud of this world premiere work. It speaks for itself. I only hope it can begin to change the world… and speak to you.

Eric Schaeffer
Artistic Director

Signature Theatre | Arlington, Virginia 22206 | Box Office 703.820.9771
Administration 571.527.1860 | Fax 703.845.0236
Eric Schaeffer, Artistic Director | Sam Sweet, Managing Director