Arlekin Theatre's "Our Class" Sweeps Lucille Lortel Awards.

Needham-based ARLEKIN, the acclaimed immigrant theater company led by Ukrainian-born artistic director Igor Golyak, celebrated a remarkable victory at the 40th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards on Sunday night. Their production of "Our Class," co-produced with MART Foundation, garnered the most accolades of the evening, taking home four prestigious awards for outstanding achievement Off-Broadway.

"Our Class" was recognized with the Outstanding Revival award, while Igor Golyak received the honor for Outstanding Director. The stellar ensemble cast was awarded Outstanding Ensemble, and Jan Pappelbaum was celebrated for Outstanding Design.

This triumph comes during a significant week for Arlekin, as the company commemorates its 15th Anniversary with a special one-night-only event in Harvard Square on May 10th. Adding to the excitement, Arlekin is set to begin rehearsals for "Our Class Boston" next week, which will grace the stage of the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts from June 13th to 22nd. This highly anticipated Boston run will feature international superstar Chulpan Khamatova.

Arlekin's trajectory has soared since 2020, propelled by the viral success of "State vs Natasha Banina." This critical acclaim paved the way for further growth and innovative productions in Boston, online, and Off-Broadway. The New York premiere of "Our Class" in partnership with MART Foundation at Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2024 was a sold-out sensation, later transferring to Manhattan's Classic Stage Company. The New York Times lauded Golyak as "among the most inventive directors working in the United States." The Lortel wins further solidify Golyak's position as a leading artist and Arlekin's vital contribution to American theater.

"I am stunned and honored by these awards. What an incredible recognition of 'Our Class' and all we are doing at Arlekin," expressed Golyak. He extended his gratitude to his collaborators, the cast, writers Tadeusz Slobodzianek and Norman Allen, Sofia Kapkova of MART Foundation, and Arlekin's Sara Stackhouse. "All I want is to make inventive theater that touches souls and bring some of my artistry and approach to the American theater, and with 'Our Class' and this acknowledgement, my dream is coming true."

"Our Class" delves into the poignant story of ten Polish classmates – five Jewish and five Catholic – navigating their lives as friends and neighbors before confronting the devastating rise of hatred. Inspired by real events from a 1941 pogrom, the play spans eight decades, exploring profound themes of friendship, betrayal, and the enduring consequences of prejudice.
The Outstanding Ensemble award celebrated the original New York cast, including Gus Birney, Andrey Burkovksiy, José Espinosa, Tess Goldwyn, Elan Zafir, Stephen Ochsner, Alexandra Silber, Richard Topol, and Ilia Volok.

Boston audiences now have the opportunity to witness this powerful and critically acclaimed production. The Boston cast of "Our Class" features the celebrated Chulpan Khamatova, alongside Jeremy Beazlie, Ryan Czerwonko, Zach Fike Hodges, Deborah Martin, Gene Ravvin, Kirill Rubtsov, Gigi Watson, and reprising their New York roles, Richard Topol and Ilia Volok.

"Our Class Boston" will run for a limited engagement of 11 performances only at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts from June 13th to 22nd. Evening performances are at 7 pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. A special premiere ticket including an opening night party is available for the Saturday, June 14th performance at 7 pm. Press Night is Monday, June 16th at 7 pm. Don't miss this exceptional theatrical experience.