Paradise Lost Program: Introduction

“It is my hope, that when people see Paradise Lost, they’re going to be glad they’re alive. And I hope that after they’ve seen it, they’ll turn to the strangers sitting next to them and say ‘hello.'” – Clifford Odets

It is with this shared hope that I am honored to present to you Paradise Lost. This production marks the first time that the A.R.T. is presenting the work of Clifford Odets, one of America’s greatest 20th century playwrights.

Paradise Lostwas Clifford Odets’s self-professed favorite play. It was premiered by the Group Theatre in 1935, and the play remains one of the most powerful and emotionally-rich portraits of an American family living together through the devastation of the world they knew. I am thrilled to bring you a new vision of this profound drama, directed by the innovative and celebrated Daniel Fish.

Paradise Lostis the second show of our festival “America: Boom, Bust, and Baseball“. After starting our journey in the boom of the 20s, we now bring you the bust of the Great Depression. In May, our world premiere of Johnny Baseball will pack a thoughtful commentary on American social history into a fun and spirited musical that will bring cheers and tears to baseball fans everywhere.

I look forward to experiencing these theatrical explorations of the ever-changing face of the American dream with you.

Now welcome to the world of Paradise Lost.

Diane Paulus
A.R.T. Artistic Director/CEO