\n\tPitt Stages, the in-house theater company of the University\u2019s Department of Theatre Arts, with open its spring season with Agnes Borinsky\u2019s \u201cThe Trees,\u201d from Feb. 20 to March 1 at the Richard E. Rauh Studio Theatre in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe play, a touching absurdist comedy, follows a newly formed community as they navigate the joys and frustrations of being part of a found family. The play reveals how humor, spirituality, and community become coping mechanisms in the face of unexpected circumstances. (\u201cThe Trees\u201d contains profanity and mild sexual themes.)<\/p>\n
\n\tASL interpretation will be available during the Feb. 22 performance. Every performance will be presented in a relaxed performance method for audiences who prefer a more sensitive sensory experience.<\/p>\n
\n\tNatasha Cole, a PhD student in the Department of Theatre Arts, directs the production. Cole has extensive theater experience spanning from Hofstra University to Washington University in St. Louis. The show is performed and produced by Pitt students, faculty, and staff. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThe Trees\u201d and the other spring productions \u2014 \u201cThe Brown Overcoat\u201d and \u201cHead Over Heels the Musical\u201d \u2014 challenge viewers to explore the ideas of identity and who they truly are. The themes of community and relationships are central to the selected shows this semester.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe 2025-2026 Pitt Stages season was dubbed \u201cTransformations\u201d by the Season Selection Committee. Committee Chair Kelly Trumbull shared that the driving force behind the theme of the season and the show selections, \u201cinvites audiences to engage (with Pitt Stages) through works that explore change, evolution and metamorphosis in all their forms \u2014 personal, social, and fantastical.\u201d<\/p>\n