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The Art of Burning

January 13–February 12, 2023

A play by Kate Snodgrass

Directed by Melia Bensussen

In association with Hartford Stage

The Huntington
@ Calderwood/BCA
527 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02216

View the digital program book.

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Also available digitally in American Sign Language and with Audio Description.

Approximate run time: 85 minutes no intermission

Content advisory: For content advisories regarding this production, click here.

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Show Synopsis:

Mid-negotiation, modernist painter Patricia changes the terms of her ‘conscious uncoupling’ with Jason. She wants full custody of their 15-year-old daughter Beth. Jason demands that their daughter decide, but mysteriously Beth didn’t show up for school. Has Patricia hidden her away to protect her, or is there something more sinister afoot? Crafted with humor and insight by acclaimed Boston playwright Kate Snodgrass and director Melia Bensussen, The Art of Burning explores the love, rage, and responsibility that come with marriage and parenting in America.

Production Photos

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Adrianne Krstansky, Michael Kaye, and Rob Barkhordar

I sat down with Kate Snodgrass, the morning after the first snow, Dec 12, 2022. Her apartment: hot tea, sunny windows, playful cats, and floor to ceiling books. Kate was one of my first playwriting teachers, and my boss at BU, and has been a mentor and friend for years.

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Masked Matinees & Masks-Encouraged Evenings

In recognition of fluctuating trends in COVID transmission and varying levels of comfort among our patrons, The Huntington is continuing to offer two different masking experiences for The Art of Burning.

“Masked Matinees” – Masks are required inside the theater unless actively eating/drinking concessions. Masks remain optional in the restrooms and lobbies.
Matinees were chosen in order to offer multiple masked-experiences per week, some weekdays and some weekends.

Masks-Encouraged Evenings – Masks are encouraged but not required.

Anyone who feels uncomfortable can ask the House Manager about alternative options which may include:
• a better quality mask
• a new seat further distanced from other patrons
• re-scheduling for a different performance, such as a “masked matinee”
• a shift to the at-home Digital Streaming option.

Any patron interested in attending a different performance will be able to exchange their tickets by contacting our ticketing services staff.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY COVID SYMPTOMS, STAY HOME.

Tickets for most Huntington productions through June 2023 come with digital insurance, and any ticketholders who would rather not see a performance in person for any reason can easily exchange their in-person tickets for a home viewing opportunity of a specially recorded version of the play, if available. Digital Insurance is currently available for The Art of Burning, K-I-S-S-I-N-G and Joy & Pandemic.

These COVID policies will be in place through February 13, 2023, and we will continue to evaluate and update these policies as the situation evolves. For the most up-to-date information on our health and safety policies and season shows, please visit this page. If you have any questions, please email covidsafety@huntingtontheatre.org.

The Huntington @ Calderwood/BCA, 527 Tremont St

The Calderwood Pavilion contains the Wimberly Theatre, the Roberts Studio Theatre, the Carol G. Deane Hall, and the Nicholas Martin Hall. You should navigate to the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA if you are seeing a show in any of those aforementioned spaces.

Directions and parking for the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA

Google Maps directions to 527 Tremont St, Boston MA 02116

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