The Humanities Council of Washington, DC is thrilled to announce that Arena Stage is one of this year’s Live to Read partners. This gives DC residents the unique chance to read and see Ruined during the course of Live to Read. The production at Arena Stageis directed by Charles Randolph-Wright and will be performed in the Fichandler April 22 - June 5, 2011. For more information of the Arena Stage production of Ruined, visit arenastage.org.

Ruined is the most honored play of 2009

• Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama; Winner of the Best Platy awards from the Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Obie, New York Drama Critics' Circle, Outer Critics
• Description of the play
• In war-torn Congo, Mama Nadi keeps the peace between customers on both sides of the civil war by serving everthing from cold beers to warm beds. This shrewd matriarch both protects and profits from the women and girls whose bodies have become battlegrounds "ruined" by rape and torture from government soldiers and rebel forces alike. Inspired by interviews she conducted in Africa, Lynn Nottage's searing new play is an engrossing and uncommonly human story told with humor and song, revealing the immeasurable loss and hopelessness of war, yet finding affirmantion of life and hope.

Reviews of Ruined

"A powerhouse drama ... a shattering, intimate journey." - Linda Winer, Newsday

"An intense and gripping new drama ... the kind of new play we desperately need." - David Cote, Time Out New York

"A remarkable theatrical accomplishment ... sincere, passionate, courageous." - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

Broad Street Review
Curtain Up
LA Times
London Insider
The New York Times
Variety

Are you a DC Public School Teacher?

The Humanities Council is making a limited number of tickets available for 11th grade classrooms in DC Public Schools. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Elizabeth Hill, Director of Programs and Communications at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request tickets.

Be a part of the Humanities Council's Entourage!

Join us for the May 17th performance of Ruined in the Finchandler at Arena Stage and a post-show discussion. Call (202) 488-4380, mention the Humanities Council and receive 30% off the regular price of a ticket. The deadline to book is April 29, 2011. Premium seats $52, Regular seats  $41.50.