New York Theatre Workshop's full 2015-2016 season

The New York Theatre Workshop, under artistic director James C. Nicola, has announced the two remaining productions in its 2015-2016 season at its off-Broadway venue.

Joining the previously announced world premiere productions of Fondly, Collette Richland by Sibyl Kempson (performed by the NYTW's Company-in-Residence Elevator Repair Service), and Lazarus by David Bowie & Enda Walsh, and directed by Ivo van Hove, will be the New York premiere of Red Speedo by Lucas Hnath and the world premiere of folk opera Hadestown by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell.

Red Speedo will begin performances in February 2016 under the direction of Lileana Blain-Cruz.

Synopsis: "Set on the eve of the Olympic swim trials, pressure builds as front-runner Ray confronts the lure of endorsements, the perils of mixing the personal and professional, and the unforgiving weight of success. Red Speedo is an exploration of America's obsession with winning at all costs."

Anaïs Mitchell's folk opera Hadestown, directed by Rachel Chavkin, will begin performances in May 2016.

Synopsis: "This folk opera follows Orpheus' mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. Together we travel from wide open plains where love and music are not enough nourishment to survive the winter, down to Hadestown, an industrialized world of mindless labor and full stomachs. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell's melodies and poetic imagination pit nature against industry, faith against doubt, and love against death."

Further casting and creative team information will be announced at a later date.

- by Tom Millward