CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The Center for the Arts at Kayenta proudly announces the arrival of “Heroes of the Fourth Turning,” a gripping award-winning play by Will Arbery, directed by esteemed guest director Rachel Park. This groundbreaking production marks the first run of the show in the state of Utah and promises to captivate audiences with performances from professional TV and film actors working alongside incredible local artists, plus the script’s profound exploration of current societal tensions.
Audiences can witness this thought-provoking performance from April 18-27, with showings Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
The New York Times called the play “Astonishing and riveting,” and the Stanford Review shared, “This is no ordinary play. It is a captivating, provocative piece of art you will thank yourself for seeing.” “Heroes of the Fourth Turning” delves fearlessly into complex themes ranging from religion and sexuality to race and gender. A poignant narrative unfolds as four young conservatives convene in Wyoming to honor their mentor, Gina, who assumes the presidency of a small Catholic college. What begins as a celebratory reunion soon unravels into a tumultuous clash of ideologies, reflecting the profound divisions within contemporary American society.
Will Arbery, a renowned playwright and screenwriter, has achieved notable success with his works. His play “Heroes of the Fourth Turning” premiered at Playwrights Horizons in 2019, garnering accolades including being a Pulitzer Prize finalist, OBIE winner and recipient of the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and John Gassner Memorial Award. Recognized as one of the top plays of the year by highly acclaimed publications such as The New York Times, Vulture and Time Out, Arbery’s impact on contemporary theater is undeniable.
Arbery’s contributions extend beyond the stage with credits in television, including “Succession” and “Irma Vep.” When asked to talk about this show, Arbery notes, “’Heroes of the Fourth Turning’ is a play that gives you access to a conversation that you would never otherwise have access to, because you being there would fundamentally change what was being said. No matter what you believe, there is something here to challenge you. And the empathy is not the point.”
The cast of five features both professional and local actors, including current Utah Tech University student Adalyn Enslen (Emily). Sadie Kuwano (Theresa) is a TV, film and theater actor working in Los Angeles and New York. You may have seen her in TV episodes of “Criminal Minds” (CBS), “I Think You Should Leave” (Netflix), “Fresh Off the Boat” (ABC) and “Good Trouble” (Freeform).
David Rosenblatt (Kevin) recently performed at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta in “True West” (Rachel Park, director) and “Dancing in the Flames” (New Play Lab, Joshua France, director). His film and TV work includes “The Moon Also Rises” (Cannes), “Minx” (HBO), “Little America” (Apple TV+) and “Dad Stop Embarrassing Me” (Netflix).
Jesse Saler (Justin) is a Los Angeles-based actor, filmmaker and photographer. He was recently seen recurring on “Good Trouble” (Freeform), the final season of “Shameless” (Showtime) and “Dave” (FX). Debora Threedy (Gina) is a local actor and playwright. She graduated in theater arts from Beloit College and trained at the Academy of Dramatic Art. Although this is her first time performing in Kayenta, three of her plays have been produced at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta.
“Like many performances we are presenting at the Center, this production is intended to spark conversation and provoke thought,” said Miranda Wright, executive director of the Center for the Arts at Kayenta. “We are bringing deliciously adventurous new performances to Southern Utah, unlike anything else available in the region. I invite audiences to engage deeply with the themes and emotions presented on stage, and bring their thoughts and opinions to nights out, dinner parties and our theater’s lobby.”
Join us for an evening of gripping drama and profound introspection. Tickets are now available for purchase online at kayentaarts.org, by phone at 435-674-2787 or in person at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta Box Office.
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