Arrive early for the Sunday matinee performance to hear artists, special guests, and WTF staff delve into the rich themes of WTF productions on the Main Stage Lawn.  Bring your own picnic or stop by concessions for a pre-show drink!  Lawn Talks begin at 1:15pm.

July 5 | LEGACY
This thoughtful drama exposes the cost of trying to will our own legacy. Join us for a pre-show talk with playwright Daniel Goldfarb and Williams College professor of religion Jeffrey Israel, discussing Daniel’s world premiere play, its biblical influences, and Judaism’s understanding of art and legacy.

July 12 | OFF THE MAIN ROAD
This gripping and powerful drama deepens William Inge’s legacy of penning rich, emotionally hard-hitting stories populated by complicated and truthful human characters. Join us for a pre-show talk with Bennington College professors of drama Dina Janis and Sherry Kramer, as well as Off the Main Road cast member Howard Overshown, discussing Inge’s impact on the American theatre and the significance of producing a rediscovered, never-before-seen work by one of the twentieth century’s most renowned writers.

July 19 | KINSHIP
This new play explores the deep, often funny, and always intense pursuit of total happiness. Join us for a very special book event celebrating the release of Beautiful Chaos, playwright Carey Perloff’s memoir about her life in the theatre. Hosted by WTF Artistic Director Mandy Greenfield, hear from Carey herself about how she juggles playwriting, directing, and running a theatre. We will also be featuring Many Stages, a new 300-page book celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Williamstown Theatre Festival through stunning photographs and stories. Both books will be available for purchase at the event.

July 26 | PARADISE BLUE
This dynamic and musically-infused drama shines light on the challenges of building a better future on the foundation of what our predecessors have left us. Join us for a pre-show talk with Vassar College professor of music Justin Patch and Williams College professor of Africana studies David L. Smith about the ways in which Dominique Morisseau’s new play explores themes such as Detroit then and now, urban city planning, and mid-twentieth century American jazz. Check back soon for specific speaker information.

August 2 | UNKNOWN SOLDIER
This world premiere musical delves into memory and family mythology, asking how – or even whether – the past shows us who we are. Join us for a pre-show talk with Williams College professor of psychology Nicole T. Harrington, who will focus on several key aspects of Unknown Soldier: the epidemic of PTSD and amnesia among soldiers, the impact of World War I specifically on the Berkshires, and the nature of returning home from war.

August 9 | A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN
This raw and invigorating new look at iconic American playwright Eugene O’Neill’s poetic and bitterly romantic play assures us of the heart’s capacity for infinite love and forgiveness. Join us for a pre-show talk with Williams College professor of history Leslie Brown and professor of Africana studies Rhon S. Manigault-Bryant, discussing the unique approach to this reimagined classic.

August 16 | AN INTERVENTION
Mike Bartlett’s An Intervention is a mischievous and engrossing two-hander that puts personal and political intervention under a magnifying glass.  Join us for a pre-show talk with director and WTF alum Lila Neugebauer, discussing the contemporary British theatre scene, her history at the Festival, and the process of bringing a new work across the pond.