If you’ve ever felt like you were stumbling around, waiting for a sign, and trying to make sense of what’s going on, then you’ll know exactly what the actors will experience while performing Oedipus in Seattle, a play by Savannah Reich, receiving its DC premiere in an independent production by Chad Dexter Kinsman. Sound design and original music are by Douglas Vento.
A theatrical mashup of Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex and the 1993 rom-com Sleepless in Seattle, the play features two new actors each night who have never rehearsed or read the script. To perform the show, they will receive auditory instructions from headphones, guiding them through the hour-long performance with prompts, questions, and tasks.
The three-night-only event takes place October 10, 11, and 12 at Studio 1469 in Columbia Heights. Performances begin at 7pm and run approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.
“I’m excited to bring Savannah’s unusual, silly, and provocative show to DC, a city where fateful decisions are made almost every day,” Dex, the producer, says. “Through my Theater District podcast, I’ve had inspiring conversations with artists and administrators who make their life and work here, obstacles and opportunities included. Oedipus in Seattle is in many ways my offering to this amazing community of theater makers and goers.”
From ancient Greek tragedies to modern romantic comedies, humans have always created stories about destiny, and characters who will end up winning or losing no matter how hard they try to escape their fate. Oedipus in Seattle is a show about destiny, and the uncertainty of living a life without one.
“This production is the first time that an independent producer has put the show up without my involvement,” Reich, the writer, shares. “The idea is that the show is a machine that anyone can run, given the materials, and I’d like to ship it all around the country. I’m so thrilled that Dex has taken the leap to be our test case!”
Two new actors will perform the show each night, without rehearsing or reading the script in advance. Martina Schabron and Dylan Arredondo perform Saturday, October 10; James J. Johnson and Erika Rose perform Sunday, October 11; and Kimberly Gilbert and Jacob Yeh perform on Monday, October 12.
In addition to answering questions and performing simple tasks, the actors will assume the roles of Oedipus, Jocasta, Meg Ryan, and Tom Hanks, with the casting decided by random chance.
Oedipus in Seattle runs October 10, 11, and 12, 2026 (all performances at 7:00 PM), at Studio 1469, 1469 Harvard St NW, Washington, DC 20009 — blocks from Metro’s Green/Yellow Line stop at Columbia Heights. Entrance is via the alley off 15th Street between Harvard Street and Columbia Road. All seats are general admission throughout the run, and tickets ($19.93) may be purchased online.
