Company One Theatre builds community at the intersection of art and social change

Hoops

a new play by Eliana Pipes
adapted from
The HOOPS Project by Nicole Acosta
directed by Tonasia Jones
dramaturgy by afrikah selah
produced in partnership with Boston Playwrights’ Theatre and the City of Boston’s Office of Arts and Culture

July 12 – August 10
The Strand Theatre

FREE with Pay-What-You-Want tickets!

Hoop earrings are way more than just an accessory. They represent family, resilience, and self-expression. They represent the freedom to shine in a world that’s constantly trying to dim the lights. From Chicago to Oaxaca to right here in Boston, these earrings shout “I’m here, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Eliana Pipes brings 5,000 years of history to life with Hoops, a joyous celebration of Black, Latine, and Indigenous culture. Based on a series of intimate interviews, this vibrant and playful choreopoem-esque collage of self-adornment and heritage shows off just how much power a pair of hoops can hold.

Better Future Series: Voices for a Better Future

an open mic for Boston youth

Saturday, August 3
3-5pm
Boston City Hall’s Civic Pavilion

Join C1 and friends for an open mic celebrating the power of youth voices! Young people from across the city will share songs and spoken word performances that capture our collective hopes and vision for a better future, plus we’ll highlight opportunities to take action in our neighborhoods. Grab a friend, get inspired, and get ready to make positive change in your community!

Boston youth ages 13-19 are welcome to perform, and all are invited to attend. Be sure to show up early for free food and a few special prize giveaways!

This is a Pay-What-You-Want experience with $0 minimum. All proceeds support C1’s mission to build community at the intersection of art and social change.

Branch Out with C1: Your Name, Your Story

crafting identity with nameplate jewlery

Saturday, July 20
1-5pm
Design Gym at ds4si

Join Company One Theatre and ds4si for a celebration of cultural heritage and an exploration of identity with a make-your-own nameplate jewelry workshop! Learn how to create personalized metal nameplates that can be transformed into necklaces, earrings, or rings in this session led by local artist Ja’Hari Ortega, whose work can be seen as part of a dynamic exhibition in The Strand Theatre lobby during Company One Theatre’s summer production of Hoops by Eliana Pipes.

This workshop is open to anyone and all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned jewelry maker or a curious beginner, we invite everyone to join us for this hands-on workshop that combines creativity, culture, and craftsmanship. Snacks and materials will be provided!

This is a Pay-What-You-Want experience with $0 minimum. All proceeds support C1’s mission to build community at the intersection of art and social change.

Company One Theatre Awarded $1.25 million from City of Boston & Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to flip the script on how Boston sees theatre

Company One Theatre (C1) has been awarded $1.25 million through two major grants to support its theatre as Public Art for Public Good initiative. Investment from the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, the Boston Public Library, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has ensured that in C1’s 25th season of producing unmissable theatrical events, the catalytic company will continue serving the city’s youngest and most diverse theatre audience with free performances and programs for years to come.

Welcome to our community, where every audience member, artist, student, and supporter has the opportunity to fight for social justice.

Founded in 1998, Company One has situated itself as a home for social justice and artistic excellence by connecting Boston’s diverse communities through live performance, the development of new plays and playwrights, arts education, and public engagement programming. By establishing a dedicated space for marginalized and alternative narratives to thrive and working with partners and collaborators across the city, Company One has become a local leader in the ongoing conversations that continue to define the era of social change in contemporary America.

CONNECTIVITY

C1 is Boston’s hub for community connection. Connectivity provides opportunities for audience intersection with the people and organizations who are working to create a just and equitable Boston.

PLAYLAB CIRCUIT

Through a combination of personalized dramaturgy, group workshops, and professional development classes, C1’s PlayLab Circuit is an incubator of new work for writers of varied experience levels and backgrounds.

STAGE ONE

C1’s Stage One education programs are designed to empower participants to be creative and collaborative, while developing their voice and building their skills.

THE WORD ON C1

"Company One Theatre pushes the boundaries of narrative with a focus on marginalized stories, and has probably done more than any other institution to bring new audiences to Boston theater"

Amelia Mason, WBUR

"If a production is bold, exciting, and makes me feel alive, chances are it’s a Company One production.

Christopher Ehlers, DigBoston

"They really have a sense of where to take theater in this moment ⁠— to stretch it, to make it new, to reach different audiences... They are a company the nation is paying attention to."

Jared Bowen, WGBH