Purge at H Street Playhouse

Colleen Delany as "Zara" and Kerry Waters as "Old Aliide" in PURGE
Photo by Don Summers, Jr.

The Directors of SCENA Theatre are excited to present the regional premiere of Purge by Sofi Oksanen: award-winning author, acclaimed playwright and European phenomenon. Oksanen adapted her acclaimed play Puhdistus (“Purge”) to a novel, which became a best-seller and won her the Finlandia Prize (2008), Runeberg Prize (2009), and Nordic Council Literature Prize (2010), all in her early 30s. The play Purge debuts regionally with Artistic Director Robert McNamara leading a stellar cast of notable DC actors.


Purge is the powerful story of an Estonian woman’s lifelong struggle through political exploitation, family betrayal, and sexual trafficking. We follow the brave yet flawed Aliide who wrestles with abuse, destruction, forgiveness – and finally redemption. Set in Western Estonia in 1992, it is a story of two generations of women challenged by a male-dominated political structure a year after the Soviet Union’s collapse. The play includes flashbacks to the early 1950s when the protagonist was a young woman in the confines of Soviet-occupied Estonia. The crux of the story examines the riveting impact of domination, power, history, and culture on one’s identity and psyche.

Preview tonight at 8pm, with an official run tomorrow through July 3rd. Thur-Sat 8pm; Sun. 3pm.

Events: “European Union” is a Meet and Greet with the cast / director after the show onSaturday June 25. Patrons will enjoy discussing the play and the social / political events surrounding the story. Import beer, fine wine and hors d'oeuvres are included with ticket.

“Thirsty Thursdays” introduce great international works to a new generation. Patrons 30 and under get a discounted $18 ticket plus a free drink at any Thursday show.

Deals: “Nonprofit Nights” – $20 tickets for all staff at nonprofits and associations (except Thur. June 9 and Sat. June 25). Please present business cards for discount.

“Student Specials” – $16 tickets for all Students (except Thur. June 9 and Sat. June 25). Please show student IDs for discount.