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At the Museum of Late Human Antiquities, curators piece together the fragments of a vanished civilization. How did humans live? What did they cherish? What did they believe would endure? As glimpses of life flicker into view—moments of invention, intimacy, ambition, and connection—the analog world begins to dissolve into something faster, smarter, and far harder to define.
“a play that has more to say in 95 minutes than most TV shows manage in eight seasons” —Chicago Tribune
CHARLESTON, SC | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PURE Theatre continues its 24th season with the Southeastern Regional Premiere of The Antiquities by Jordan Harrison (Marjorie Prime), directed by PURE Co-founder and Artistic Director Sharon Graci. The production runs from October 22 through November 14 at the Cannon Street Arts Center, with a Pay What You Will preview on October 21.
Presented by PURE Theatre and spanning centuries—from 1816 through 2240, The Antiquities by Jordan Harrison is a mind-blowing and haunting “brilliantly imagined drama” (The Wall Street Journal) that explores what we leave behind, and what continues on without us.
“Oh my goodness, what a play. One of the ways I know I’m still on the right path in life is by how excited I am to go to work and direct theatre. And I am so, so excited to direct The Antiquities.
PURE seems to live under a very favored sun that shines relevance on our work, and The Antiquities is another remarkable example. The play unfolds across 22 scenes, beginning in 1816 with Mary and Percy Shelley, then moving chronologically forward to the year 2240 before reversing course and traveling backward through time to where we began.”
The production features PURE Theatre Core Ensemble members Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Anna Lin, David Mandel, Andrew Puckett, and Michael Smallwood, joined by Sarah Callahan Black, John Black, Charley Smith, and Davion Gibson.
“The Antiquities is one of the smartest plays I’ve ever read. It’s funny, deeply moving, wildly theatrical, and asks enormous questions about humanity, technology, memory, and what we leave behind. And at this particular moment in our relationship with artificial intelligence, it feels almost unnervingly timely. It’s anchored by PURE’s Core Ensemble, one of the strongest resident companies working in the Southeast, and I cannot wait to put it on our stage. Let the conversations begin!”
Tickets for The Antiquities range from Pay What You Will to $53. Pay What You Will performances will be held on October 22 and 28, with Pay What You Will tickets available for online purchase one week before opening. Student tickets are available for $12 for every performance.
Tickets are available now at puretheatre.org.
Additional information about The Antiquities can be found on PURE’s website at puretheatre.org or by calling the box office at 843.723.4444, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
ABOUT PURE THEATRE
Founded in 2003, PURE Theatre is Charleston’s award-winning professional theatre company, now entering its 24th season. Built around a resident ensemble of actors, directors, and designers, PURE produces bold contemporary plays, often Southeastern and world premieres, that bring the most current voices in American theatre to Charleston. Known for exceptional ensemble work at close range, PURE offers audiences a boutique cultural experience that complements the city’s historic and culinary landscape.
PURE Theatre creates exceptional theatre experiences that enliven thought, ignite conversation, and heighten consciousness for a diverse gathering of artists and audiences.
PURE’s staff includes Sharon Graci, Co-founder and Artistic Director; Rodney Lee Rogers, Co-founder and Producing Director; David Mandel, Associate Artistic Director; Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Associate Artistic Director; Tippy Trombly, Patron Experience and Marketing Manager; and Isabella Gardner, Associate Patron Experiences Manager.
Serving on PURE Theatre’s board of directors are Stephanie Hunt, President; James M. Ward, CPA, Treasurer; Michael Culler; Amy Gaffney; David Smalls; Bea Wray; and Josh Wilhoit.
