SYNthesis: the coming together of distinct elements to form a whole
KinETIC: pertaining to or imparting motion, active, dynamic
SYNETIC: a dynamic synthesis of the arts
Synetic Theater’s mission is to be the premier American physical theater, fusing dynamic art forms — such as text, drama, movement, acrobatics, dance and music — by producing world-class theater for all ages, educating the next generation of artists and physical theater professionals, and promoting this distinct form of theater nationally and internationally through community outreach and touring programs.
Synetic Theater emerged from the creative vision of founders Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, Georgian artists who moved to the United States in the 1990s. Trained in innovative dance, theater and film, the Tsikurishvilis combined traditions of the Caucuses with distinct American styles to tell classical stories in a unique way. Synetic Theater made its artistic debut in 2002 with a wordless Hamlet (Hamlet…the rest is silence)—quickly establishing itself as a dazzling and innovative physical theater company and earning three 2003 Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Resident Play, Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Director.
Eleven years later, Synetic annually produces four to five main stage productions and two to three Family series productions, houses an educational studio for ages 7 through adult, conducts community outreach programs and tours family and main stage productions, reaching over 36,000 patrons annually. To-date Synetic has earned 92 Helen Hayes Nominations and received 24 Helen Hayes Awards, garnering acclaim for its “Silent Shakespeare” repertoire (Hamlet…the rest is silence, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Antony and Cleopatra, Othello, King Lear, The Taming of the Shrew), as well as for its text-and movement-based classical pieces, such as Host and Guest, Frankenstein, Carmen and The Master and Margarita.
In 2006, Synetic began a five-year partnership with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to produce one show per season for The Kennedy Center and in 2009, forged an alliance with The Shakespeare Theatre Company to produce its new adaptation of Antony and Cleopatra at STC’s Lansburgh Theatre, solidifying its position as a Washington fixture. In 2010, Synetic secured a new, dedicated venue in Crystal City, VA, through a partnership with Vornado/Charles E. Smith and the Crystal City Business Improvement District.
In the 2012/13 season, Synetic will produce four brand new main stage shows (Jekyll and Hyde, A Trip to the Moon, The Tempest, and The Three Musketeers) and one returning crowd favorite (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). In addition, Synetic is expanding its Teen Production program, producing three brand new shows: The Jungle Book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Teen The Taming of the Shrew.
The programs are supported in part by the Arlington Cultural Affairs Division of Arlington Economic Development and the Arlington Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and Crystal City Business Improvement District.