Since becoming stewards of Politics & Prose nearly two years ago, we’ve been interested in expanding the store’s role as a civic forum. To this end we’ve explored building on the natural synergies that exist between an independent bookstore and other cultural institutions in the city, looking in particular for ways of melding literature and the theater. This recently led us to work with Arena Stage to arrange dinners, discussions, and theater excursions for our customers.
We’ve sponsored two successful outings to Arena in the last few months—Brad took a group to see Good People, and P&P founder and former owner Barbara Meade was the resident expert, along with Ovid enthusiast and P&P instructor Melanie Du Bois, for Metamorphoses. Now we’re delighted to offer customers another trip to the theater. This time, customers will join Lissa for an Arena production of the Broadway hit, Other Desert Cities, by Jon Robin Baitz.
Called “the best new play on Broadway” by The New York Times in 2011, Other Desert Cities will resonate with anyone who’s interested in the often complex intersection of family dynamics, generational sensibilities, and politics. Baitz’s play has been described as “a witty and deeply enjoyable family drama” focusing on a daughter’s return to the home of her conservative parents in Palm Springs after years away. The daughter’s plan to publish a memoir pulls back the veil on the family’s past secrets and reveals an abiding capacity for love and forgiveness.
Given that the protagonist is a writer—and a writer of a memoir—the play will have special appeal for those who enjoy reading memoirs or who have tried writing one. We’ve noticed that authors who speak at P&P often get asked how much of the material in their writing is drawn from their own lives, and how they decide whether to include information that might risk alienating family members or friends. That question is also at the heart of Other Desert Cities.
We’re excited to bring P&P customers together to see this excellent play and to enjoy conversation and a three-course dinner at the Arena Stage’s Catwalk Café before the performance. The price of the evening is $100 per person and includes a reserved seat and dinner with the group. You can sign up at our website, or by calling 202-349-1183.
- Brad and Lissa
