A revolutionary collaboration comes to Albany

Capital Repertory Theatre brings “Archduke” to Albany in a regional premiere collaboration with Philadelphia’s Tony-Winning Wilma Theater

Albany theatergoers are getting a front-row seat to history — with a twist. Capital Repertory Theatre cracks open the explosive, darkly funny world of “Archduke,” Rajiv Joseph’s reimagining of the events that sparked World War I. Making its regional premiere at theREP, the play arrives in Albany March 6-29 through a creative handoff from Philadelphia’s acclaimed Wilma Theater, turning a moment of global consequence into a fast-moving, surprising night at the theatre.

Producing Artistic Director Miriam Weisfeld at theREP, explained, “The production’s director, Blanka Zizka, says this is not a historical play. Instead, Rajiv is using history to talk about our own moment. It’s about how despair can make young men susceptible to radicalization. It’s about how the fate of the world can hinge on the whims of individuals. Ultimately, it’s about how we all exist on the razor’s edge between despair and hope. And — miraculously, audaciously — it reminds us that hope is still possible.”

“Archduke” reimagines the recruitment of the young assassins of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Serbia in 1914 — a pivotal moment that triggered World War I. The funny, compassionate dialogue reveals the boys care more about enjoying girls and good food than any political cause. Blending dark humor with historical insight, the play follows three disenfranchised teenagers drawn into a revolutionary plot, using sharp writing and inventive theatrical techniques to examine themes of desperation and political fervor.

This production marks a special regional premiere brought to Albany through a collaboration with The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, recently honored with the 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award for its adventurous and provocative work. The Wilma’s production of “Archduke” opened in in 2025 under the direction of Blanka Zizka, the theatre’s founding artistic director, and this Albany staging builds on that artistic vision.

Zizka, who was originally from communist Czechoslovakia, has revealed an innovative approach to this casting based on experience. Two of the teenaged boys are played by veteran female actors Sarah Glicko and Suli Holum. They are also joined by Brandon Pierce and Melanye Finister, of the original production to come to theREP to bring the story back to life.

The creative partnership between theREP and The Wilma demonstrates that this production is not just a transfer, but a shared artistic endeavor — the show carries the style and bold perspective that garnered critical attention at the Wilma. Audiences in the Capital Region have the chance to experience this inventive, hilarious, and heartbreaking play that dramatizes a historical turning point with urgent relevance to today’s world.

This collaboration underscores Capital Repertory Theatre’s commitment to bringing groundbreaking theatrical work to Albany while strengthening ties with leading regional companies like The Wilma, whose work continues to shape the national theatre landscape.

Added Weisfeld, “I can’t wait to see how Capital Region audiences respond to the artistic virtuosity and sociopolitical smarts of this production. theREP’s collaboration with the Tony-winning Wilma is an honor and an opportunity to keep growing theREP’s national profile.”

“Archduke” offers the Capital Region an unexpectedly entertaining look at a moment that changed the history of the world. Be a part of this unforgettable theatrical experience at theREP March 6-29 by visiting attherep.org or the Box Office at Proctors in-person or via phone at (518) 346-6204 Tuesday-Saturday 12-6 p.m.