Play It Again: Intiman Returns!

Resurrected by a vigorous fundraising campaign, INTIMAN THEATRE enters its 40th year this month after financial woes forced it to shut down abruptly in 2011. Considering the many revisions to the theaters leadership and mission, it may seem more like the companys first season. Led by new Artistic Director Andrew Russell, Intiman has a small repertory company of 17 local actors putting together a memorable (and cost-effective) summer festival. These arent plays to watch when your mind is drifting; the subject matter concerns abstract arguments and mixed-up heroes tackling real-life problems. The festival offerings will run in repertory, with previews starting July 5.

Seattle luminary Allison Narver directs Shakespeares Romeo & Juliet. Amid the bravado swordplay and lustful soliloquies, Narvers version highlights the contemporary relevance of the plays portrayal of a place plagued by constant and deep-seated violence.

Andrew Russell directs Henrik Ibsens tragic Hedda Gabler, about a gal who cant seem to get a break, featuring Marya Sea Kaminski in the title role, and, in an innovative twist, choreography and movement direction by former Pacific Northwest Ballet star Olivier Wevers.

Valerie Curtis-Newton, head of the directing program at the University of Washingtons School of Drama, directs Dirty Story, by John Patrick Shanley, which promises to offend everyoneon purpose. The play is an allegorical and darkly comic mining of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, told via the interactions of a sadomasochist couple.

Coming out of left field, The Strangers Dan Savage takes a break from his regularly scheduled MTV show to dust off his theater chops and present his own original play, Miracle!, described as Helen Keller meets Seattles 1990s drag scene.

7/58/26. Times vary. $30 per play (free for 2011 Intiman subscribers). Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer St.; intiman.org.