The Philadelphia Theatre Company is thrilled to unveil its exciting 2025/26 season, marking its 51st year with an array of compelling performances and special programming.
This season features three mainstage productions that promise to engage and inspire audiences.
The lineup includes “Primary Trust,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Eboni Booth; “Caesar,” a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” by Tyler Dobrowsky; and the world premiere of “Wilderness Generation” by Philadelphia playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames.
In addition to these mainstage offerings, PTC will present a concert version of “La Guagua 47” by Alba Martinez, along with two productions geared toward youth and families: “Havana Hop” and “Paige in Full,” created by Paige Hernandez.
The rich programming schedule also encompasses expanded community events and student matinees throughout the season, facilitating access to theater for diverse audiences.
“Our 51st season is a celebration of the ties that bind,” stated Tyler Dobrowsky, PTC Co-Artistic Director.
He elaborated on the season’s theme, emphasizing that whether through the quiet resilience of a character starting anew, the tumult of political unrest, or the laughter shared during a family gathering, the productions aim to reflect contemporary societal questions.
“Who are we? Who are our people? And how do we move forward together?” he asked, highlighting the thoughtful narratives at play.
The season kicks off with the Philadelphia premiere of “Primary Trust,” directed by Amina Robinson, which runs from September 19 to October 5, 2025.
This poignant narrative follows Kenneth, a soft-spoken loner, who faces the unexpected loss of his long-held job, compelling him to venture beyond his comfort zone for the first time in years.
As Kenneth grapples with themes of connection and courage, Booth’s Pulitzer-winning work serves as a reminder of how even the smallest acts of kindness can create significant change.
Booth, recognized for her impactful writing, is a resident playwright at New Dramatists and has received several prestigious awards including the Steinberg Playwright Award.
Robinson, an accomplished director making her PTC debut, has an impressive résumé featuring productions at notable venues such as The Wilma Theater and The Arden Theatre.
Following the premiere of “Primary Trust,” the season continues with “Caesar,” which will run from February 6 to February 22, 2026.
This contemporary adaptation maintains Shakespeare’s original text while condensing the action into a brisk 95-minute political thriller.
Through the plot of Brutus’s decision to assassinate Caesar in the name of liberty, the play explores the interplay of democracy and turmoil, resonating with present-day political realities.
This adaptation, crafted by Dobrowsky, reflects the chilling parallels between the events of ancient Rome and contemporary society’s struggles for justice and democracy.
The season is capped with the highly anticipated world premiere of “Wilderness Generation” from April 10 to May 3, 2026.
Written by James Ijames, this new work is set during a summer weekend in the Tidewater South, where five cousins reunite at their grandmother’s home.
As laughter ensues, long-buried secrets come to light, inviting audiences into a narrative of legacy, healing, and familial bonds.
Directed by Taibi Magar, a fellow Co-Artistic Director at PTC, this production promises to delve deep into the emotional weight of inherited truths and the legacy we choose to carry forward.
Beyond the mainstage productions, PTC offers an array of special programming designed to deepen audience engagement.
Highlights include a one-night-only concert version of “La Guagua 47,” scheduled for October, inspired by Alba Martinez’s experiences and the vibrant community she discovered along the SEPTA 47 bus line.
In January, PTC will feature two solo shows written and performed by Paige Hernandez, who combines poetry, dance, media, and music in “Paige in Full,” a dynamic visual mixtape.
Additionally, young audiences and families can look forward to “Havana Hop,” a celebrated production tailored for children aged three and up, emphasizing theater’s role in early cultural experiences.
To further enrich the theatergoing experience, PTC will host Educator and Community Nights, offering unique opportunities for dialogue and engagement surrounding each production.
The company remains committed to nurturing the next generation of theatergoers through Student Matinees and a variety of summer youth programming, fostering creativity and exploration in the arts.
As 2025/26 approaches, the Philadelphia Theatre Company invites the community to join them in exploring these thought-provoking narratives, celebrating the power of theater to connect and inspire.
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