Katharsis Theater Company produces revitalized productions of plays from the classical canon, old and new. We believe that classic plays can and should be dynamic and visceral, exciting contemporary audiences with their surprising relevance. To this end, we present productions that are simultaneously faithful and fresh; welcoming and challenging; truthful and exuberant.

Henry Wishcamper and Sasha Nyary founded Katharsis in 2005.  Our definition of a classic play is loose and broad. It must, first and foremost, articulate some kernel of truth about the human condition and experience. It must contain a compelling story, a truthfully articulated emotional life, and a strong authorial voice. And it must be ambitious: creating a broad canvas, tackling a wide variety of ideas and themes and pushing the boundaries of the theatrical form.

We strive to serve our plays and playwrights honestly and faithfully. With each production we endeavor to meet whatever demands are created by the play’s language, dramatic structure, characters and setting.  At the same time, Katharsis offers fresh, dynamic and challenging interpretations of these plays. As acts of theater, classic plays exist in the here and now and speak only to the audience that occupies the theater on the night of the performance. This means that productions of classic plays must feel immediate and vital to those audiences if the plays are to succeed in engaging their attention and commitment.  

Henry Wishcamper, Artistic Director

Board of Directors

Florence Peyrelongue Guerra, President
Rebecca Muller, Treasurer
Joyce Mannis, Secretary
Alex Krulic
Sasha Nyary
Tony Rosen
Tom Uger
Henry Wishcamper
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