DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS PRESENTS
A MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION
UNNATURAL ACTS:
HARVARD'S SECRET COURT OF 1920
Conceived & Directed by Tony Speciale
Collaboratively written by members of Plastic Theatre
- Saturday, February 26 at 8 p.m. in McKenna Theatre
- Sunday, February 27 at 2 p.m. in McKenna Theatre
- Wednesday, March 2 at 8 p.m. in McKenna Theatre
- Thursday, March 3 at 8 p.m. in McKenna Theatre
- Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m. in McKenna Theatre
- Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m. in McKenna Theatre
- Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. in McKenna Theatre
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In the spring of 1920, a Harvard sophomore is found dead. Soon after, an ad hoc disciplinary tribunal is formed to investigate allegations of homosexual activity at the university. What begins as an inquiry into the mysterious death of a student quickly becomes a campus-wide inquisition. Inspired by true events, "Unnatural Acts" incorporates court transcripts and historical records from the Harvard University archives to document an American tragedy and lost chapter in early 20th century LGBTQ history.
"My hope is that anyone who comes to see the play—and I think everyone will find at least a character to whom he or she relates—will be moved by the characters' vibrancy," said Speciale. "And I hope that the events of the play, which are horrifying, will bring attention to the hate and intolerance that is still very much a part of the experience of many gay, lesbian, questioning youths—any minority really—who are searching for a way to live a genuine life. And hopefully the play will help us all find a more open and tolerant future."
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About the Director
Tony Speciale (he/him/his) is the founder of Plastic Theatre, and is the coauthor and director the Off-Broadway world premiere of “Unnatural Acts” (Classic Stage Company—Drama Desk Award nominee, GLAAD Media Award nominee). From 2015 to 2018, he served as artistic director of Abingdon Theatre Company, an Off-Broadway theatre company dedicated to developing and producing new American work. His New York City directing credits include Abingdon, Classic Stage Company (CSC), Dixon Place, HERE Arts Center, The Gym at Judson, La Mamma and Westside Theatre. Regional credits include Actors Theatre of Louisville, Ahmanson Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Bay Street, Hartford Stage, Kirk Douglas, Laguna Playhouse, Old Globe, Philadelphia Theatre Company and St. Louis Rep. Speciale has developed new work at Atlantic Theatre, Berkeley Rep, the Goodman Theatre, Primary Stages, Sundance Theatre Lab and the Public Theater’s Under the Radar Festival. He spent four seasons at CSC, which he helped to found, as associate artistic director, where he directed and taught for their award-winning education & outreach initiative, the Young Company.
He holds an MFA in Directing from Columbia University and received a Princess Grace Theatre Honorarium & Suzi Bass Award. Speciale joined SUNY New Paltz in 2020 as a full-time lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts. Learn more about Speciale at his website.
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