New World Performance Laboratory (NWPL) presents the premiere of “Don Quijote,” a new bilingual adaptation of Cervantes’ enduring fable of the man of La Mancha, based on a version by Argentine playwright Patricia Suarez. The production will run for two weeks at The Balch Street Theatre beginning May 11, 2018 through May 21, 2018. Performances are Friday and Saturday, May 11, 12, 18, 19 at 8pm; Sunday, May 13, 20 at 2pm; and Monday, May 21 at 8pm. The Balch Street Theatre is located at 220 South Balch Street, Akron Oh, 44302. Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 students; and are available online at http://donquijote.bpt.me or by calling 330-867-3299. Seating is limited. Each performance will be followed by an audience engagement activity.

“Don Quijote” chronicles the fantastic adventures of a self-created knight-errant (considered “loco” by his family and friends) and his reluctantly faithful squire, Sancho Panza. Don Quijote embarks on a quest to right the wrongs of the world and ends up teaching us all what it is to be human: to love, to dream, to fail, and most of all, to laugh. The play is performed in both Spanish and English, with classic Spanish songs, and is suitable for families. NWPL’s dynamic physical performance style allows the story to be understood by all. “Don Quijote” is directed by NWPL co-artistic director James Slowiak, with costume design by Inda Blatch-Geib, lighting design by Chris Hariasz, and scenic design and technical direction by Kirsten Williams. Actors include NWPL long time company members Chris Buck, Justin Hale, Rosilyn Jentner, and Debora Totti, with Jairo Cuesta playing the role of Don Quijote and Jamie Hale as Sancho Panza. James Marron is featured as guitarist and musician.

The premiere of “Don Quijote” marks the culmination of NWPL’s 25^th anniversary season. Funding for the project has come from The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, and the Akron Community Foundation.

About NWPL

NWPL, an internationally acclaimed ensemble of theatre artists, has been active in Northeastern Ohio since 1992. Since taking up residence at The Balch Street Theatre in 2011, NWPL has produced a number of exceptional productions including “The Devil’s Milk Trilogy,” “Virginia Woolf’s ORLANDO” and “Gilgamesh: He Who Saw Everything” as well as hosting various theatre companies such as Studium Teatralne from Poland, TAPIT Theatre Ensemble from Madison, WI, Akropolis Performance Lab from Seattle, and Akron’s Ma’Sue Productions. NWPL spearheads numerous community projects, training sessions, educational programs, and performances throughout the region, nationally, and internationally.