"Lenfest Center: Your Gateway to Global Experiences"

W&L ANNOUNCES ITS 2025-2026 SEASON
"LENFEST CENTER: YOUR GATEWAY TO GLOBAL EXPERIENCES."

Washington and Lee University's Lenfest Center for the Arts announces its 2025-26 season, "Lenfest Center: Your Gateway to Global Experiences." This season is a celebration of creativity, connection and community-inviting all to join in artistic collaborations, innovative outreach and inspiring performances that bring people together.

The "Your Gateway to Global Experiences" theme is designed to spark curiosity and foster meaningful connections between the W&L community, local residents and artists from around the world. Through the Lenfest Center's University Fall and Winter Outreach and Engagement (O&E) Series, audiences will have opportunities to interact directly with artists through master classes; "Table Talks and Lunch"; pop-up performances; Ukrainian cooking class and traditional dinner; and live British theater.

At the heart of the Lenfest O&E series is a commitment to building bridges between university knowledge and the wider community through the arts. The programs empower participants to share their voices, collaborate on creative projects and take part in open dialogue, feedback and share decision-making. The result is a vibrant, inclusive environment where everyone's ideas and experiences are valued.

Beyond the robust season performances, the Lenfest Center invites audiences to deepen their involvement by joining conversations and interactive events with artists. Together we are shaping a season that celebrates community spirit, inspires new perspectives and generates lasting connections through the power of the arts! Lenfest performances are sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Online ticket sales for all ticketed events begin August 15, 2025. Visit https://my.wlu.edu/lenfest-center to purchase tickets. The Lenfest Box Office opens for in-person and remaining online ticket sales on Monday, September 8, 2025. The Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and is open only when undergraduate classes are in session. Forms of payment include cash, check or credit card. Patrons can contact the Box Office by calling 540.458.8000 or emailing boxoffice@wlu.edu.

The Lenfest Season opens with Lenfest's O&E in Kamen Gallery's Pop-Up Exhibition-"Native Art & Ancestral Inspiration: Drawing Endurance"-September 4-December 15 featuring Pamunkey Artist, Ethan Brown and collector of artifacts of Indigenous Peoples of North America, W&L Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, Harvey Markowitz.

Kick off the Lenfest Season with Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC's Sherlock, The Imitation Game) as he takes on the title role of Shakespeare's great tragedy in National Theatre Live's "Hamlet." Mark your calendar for September 9 at 7:30 p.m. on the W&L Stackhouse screen-tickets are required for this exhilarating theatrical event that promises intense acting, lavish staging and epic costumes. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Get ready for an adrenaline-charged night as Lenfest brings you "The Missing Element" with the Beatbox House on September 18 at 7:30 p.m. on the Keller stage. Witness the explosive fusion of world-class street dancers and champion beatboxers as they create an electrifying spectacle-every beat, rhythm and sound is 100% human-powered. Experience the raw energy of breaking, krumping, and flexing-all synchronized with mind-blowing beatboxing-as these artists embody the elements of earth, wind, fire, water, and space in a performance unlike anything you've seen before. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Step into the world of classic theatre with NTL's "Vanya" as Andrew Scott stuns in this one-man retelling of Chekhov's classic dark comedy "Uncle Vanya." This mesmerizing production comes alive on the big screen for one night only-October 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the W&L Stackhouse. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Join Lenfest's O&E Series in the Kamen Gallery at noon on October 14 for "Table Talks at Kamen Gallery: Art, Insight & Lunch." Join Jessica Bradbury (The Virginia Native Arts Alliance); Siera Hyte (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) curator of Indigenous America Art; artist and Pop-Up Gallery exhibitor, Ethan Brown; and W&L Emeritus Harvey Markowitz as they dive into the longstanding "field" of Native art which is governed by its own knowledge systems, independent of Western and European art, and the importance of not lumping Native art into other canons. Limited seating and tickets are free, but required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Get ready for an electrifying night as Lenfest presents the Ephrat Asherie Dance Company's "Underscored"-a high-energy celebration of New York City's underground dance scene! Experience the vibrant pulse of street and club styles like breaking, hip-hop, house and vogue as a dynamic, multi-generational cast takes you on an exhilarating journey through decades of dance, music and personal stories. Don't miss this unforgettable performance on the Keller stage, October 23 at 7:30 p.m.-where the spirit of the club comes alive right before your eyes. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Prepare for NTL and Noel Cowards "Present Laughter"-a five-star provocative comedy spectacle starring Andrew Scott-coming to the W&L Stackhouse screen on November 4 at 7:30 p.m.-tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Experience the power of global community as Lenfest, in partnership with World Music, presents Humayun Khan-one of the most respected musicians of Afghan and North Indian traditions. Let his music unite us across cultures and continents, bringing people together through a shared celebration of heritage and sound. Join us on November 7 at 8 p.m. in the Wilson Concert Hall for an evening that bridges borders and connects the world. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64 and the Robert O. and Elizabeth M. Bentley Endowment.

Brace for an explosive night of music as powerhouse vocalist Bette Smith-hailed as "the next big-voiced soul sensation out of Brooklyn"-takes the Keller stage on January 15 at 7:30 p.m.! With roots in Trinidad and Brooklyn, Smith electrifies audiences by blending soul, rock & roll, funk, gospel and blues into a sound that's all her own. A high-energy performance-tickets are required! Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

NTL's winter starts off with a bang on January 20 as Steve Coogan takes the stage in the explosively funny adaptation of "Dr. Strangelove." Don't miss this electrifying satire, where Coogan dazzles in four unforgettable roles, bringing Stanley Kubrick's legendary comedy to life like never before. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Step into a bold new era of sounds with Jack Quartet's "Modern Medieval"-where ancient music meets cutting-edge innovation! On January 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall, experience a thrilling fusion as this trailblazing ensemble reimagines the mysterious harmonies and wild creativity of medieval Europe through the lens of today's most adventurous composers. Sponsored in part by Concert Guild and the Class of '64.

Welcome Sunny Jain's and his exciting powerhouse fusion band "Wild Wild East" as they perform on the Keller Theatre February 5 at 7:30 p.m. Jain, a first-generation South Asian/American global musician, delivers a high-voltage fusion of global sounds, electrifying rhythms and bold storytelling that transcends musical boundaries. Jain and his band blend the driving beats of Bollywood and Punjabi folk with the improvisational energy of jazz, the swagger of Spaghetti Westerns and the psychedelic edge of surf rock. The result is a soundscape that's both intensely joyful and utterly unique. Every performance is a celebration of cultural diversity, innovation and the unstoppable spirit of reinvention-making "Wild Wild East" an unmissable, exhilarating experience for anyone craving something new and unforgettable Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Step into the electrifying world of classic theatre with NTL's "A Streetcar Named Desire"! Directed by the acclaimed Benedict Andrews and featuring a star-studded cast, this legendary production comes alive on the big screen for one night only-February 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the W&L Stackhouse. Experience the raw passion, suspense, and unforgettable drama that have made this play a timeless sensation. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Lenfest's O&E DakhaBrakha, a world music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine, comes to W&L's Evans Dining Hall on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. for a lively night of cooking, food and unexpected new music-a cultural adventure. Experience a night packed with fun and flavor as you explore Ukrainian culture through DakhaBrakha's favorite borscht recipe, prepared by W&L chefs. Savor every bite while enjoying the lively sounds of Ukrainian folk songs performed a cappella, just as they would have been sung two centuries ago. Limited tickets are available, so get yours today. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64 and World Music.

On March 5 at 7:30 p.m., DakhaBrakha brings their explosive energy and genre-defying sound and theater to the Keller stage. By experimenting with Ukrainian folk music and weaving in rhythms and instruments from around the world-including Indian, Arabic and African traditions-they have crafted a vibrant and unforgettable sound. The quartet's astonishingly powerful and uncompromising vocal range creates a trans-national. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64 and World Music.

"Inter Alia"-the hotly anticipated new play from the creators of the global sensation "Prima Facie,"-coming to the W&L Stackhouse screen on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Starring Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike, this gripping drama dives into the high-stakes world of a London Crown Court Judge whose life is turned upside down by a single event. Don't miss your chance to experience this powerful story. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden ("Slow Horses," "Dunkirk") is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman ("The Responder," "Sherlock") in the critically acclaimed NTL's darkly-funny new play, "The Fifth Step" on April 14 in the W&L Stackhouse. Tickets are required. Sponsored in part by the Class of '64.

W&L's Concert Guild Season boasts four ticketed performances in Wilson Concert Hall. Season opens on September 26 with New Zealand's pianist Nicola Melville at 7 p.m. For her W&L performance, Dr. Melville will present a solo piano program that features a blend of influences from the kitsch, ragtime, and electronic music genres. "The Music of Carnero, Mendelssohn and Maroney," performs on November 1 at 7 p.m. The performance includes a world premiere of Maroney's piano trio, which was commissioned by the Concert Guild to be performed by violinist Nurit Pacht (Kaufman Music Center), cellist Caroline Stinson (Duke University) and W&L faculty pianist Akiko Konishi. Other works include the fiery "Carnaalito XXI" for two vilolins with Guest Jakob Hofer (SVU) and Mendelssohn's iconic Piano Trio No. 1. Concert Guild and the Lenfest Center will jointly present the Jack Quartet-comprised of violinists Christopher Otto and Austin Wulliman; violist John Pickford Richards; and cellist Jay Campbell-on January 24 at 7 p.m. The Concert Guild Season will close on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. with the Manasse/Nakamatsu Duo comprised of John Manasse, clarinet and Jon Nakamatsu, piano. The Duo serves as Artistic Directors of the esteemed Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival in Massachusetts. The acclaimed duo presents a program featuring works by Brahms, Debussy, and Bernstein.

W&L's SonoKlect Season, a program dedicated to bringing modern music to local audiences in Lexington, opens in the Wilson Concert Hall with the Matt Neiss and The Capitol Bones All -Brass Big Band on October 4 at 8 p.m. in the Wilson Concert Hall. Known for their powerful brass sound and versatility, The Capitol Bones have graced stages from jazz clubs to prestigious festivals, including the International Trombone Festival and the Kennedy Center. The season concludes on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. with Transient Canvas-featuring bass clarinetist Amy Advocat and marimbist Matt Sharrock-the ensemble has garnered national recognition for its bold, innovative sound and fearless approach to contemporary chamber music. No tickets are required for SonoKlect performances.

W&L's Department of Theater, Dance, and Film Studies Season is proud to announce their ticketed season opening with W&L Dancers Create... on November 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. and November 15 at 2 p.m. in the Keller Theatre. Under the artistic direction of Jenefer Davies, W&L Dancers Create... is a concert of works created, designed and performed by W&L students. "These Shining Lives" opens on December 2-5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Johnson Theatre. During the 1910's and 1920s, thousands of women were hired to paint radium on watch and clock faces to make them glow in the dark. In the 1930s, those women changed the world. Faced with corporate greed and medical misdirection, these women fought back, and their courage helped transform labor laws in the United States and Europe-leading to major advances in science and medicine and change in industrial safety standards. "These Shining Lives," by Melanie Marnich, is based on the true story of a few of these women, and illuminates the humanity behind their achievements. W&L Repertory Dance Company Concert opens March 26-27 at 7:30 p.m. and March 28 at 2 p.m. in the Keller Theatre. The Dance Company presents an evening of multi-faceted dance works performed and created by internationally renowned choreographers, faculty and guest artists. Named a program of "outstanding artistic excellence" by American College Dance Association, W&L Repertory Dance Company is committed to showcasing artistically vibrant contemporary dance works and challenging W&L student dancers through experiential opportunities in dance. The season closes in the Johnson Theatre on April 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m. with "The Play That Goes Wrong." This long-running play by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields centers on the Dr. Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to perform the 1920s play, "The Murder at Haversham Manor," while mishaps and disasters plague their production from the very start. "The Play That Goes Wrong" offers wacky characters, a unique Tony Award-winning set design and non-stop laughs. Join us for

W&L's Department of Music Season, full of exciting performances from faculty, guests and talented students. Highlights include numerous faculty recitals in the Wilson Concert Hall including Anthony Cincotta, saxophone and Anna Billias, piano; Anima e Grazia featuring Julia Goudimova, cello and Anna Billias, piano; and the Marlbrook Chamber Ensemble. The choral program offers a number of performances featuring the University Singers, Men's Glee Club and Cantatrici throughout the year.

W&L Fall Choral Concert will be held on October 17 at 8 p.m. and is not to be missed! Tickets are free, but required. Join us for a performance by the University Wind Ensemble on November 3 at 8 p.m., no tickets are required. Mix it up with the University Jazz Ensemble performance on November 6 at 8 p.m., no tickets are required. The University Orchestra opens its season on November 13 at 8 p.m., no tickets are required. W&L's Holiday Pops Concert will be one night only-Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Wilson Concert Hall. Tickets are free with non-perishable food or monetary donation to Campus Kitchen. Tickets can be reserved online. Monetary donations may be made online, while food donations are required in-person at the Lenfest Box Office during open hours. Tickets available beginning Monday, November 11, 2024. The box office will be closed during W&L Thanksgiving break, November 25-29, 2024.

For a full list of performances, visit the Lenfest Center's website my.wlu.edu/lenfest-center.