Spoleto Festival USA adds powerful play ‘Remember This’ to 2025 lineup
March 18, 2025
Festival also announces venue change for family-friendly Mrs. Krishnan’s Party
Spoleto Festival USA announced the addition of the critically acclaimed play, Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski, to its 2025 season. This compelling theatrical experience will join the Festival’s diverse lineup of opera, theater, music, and dance from May 23 to June 8, 2025.
In Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski, Academy Award-nominee David Strathairn delivers a powerful portrayal of Jan Karski, a reluctant hero who defied unimaginable odds to expose the horrors of the Holocaust. Escaping a Gestapo prison, infiltrating the Warsaw ghetto, and witnessing the atrocities of a death camp, Karski carried the first eyewitness accounts of war-torn Poland to the West, ultimately reaching the Oval Office. In his Spoleto Festival USA debut, Strathairn masterfully captures the complexity of this self-described ‘insignificant, little man’ whose extraordinary courage and unwavering moral compass continue to resonate and challenge the world today. Four performances will take place at the College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8.
“We are honored to bring this important and moving work to Charleston for the 2025 Festival,” said Spoleto Festival USA General Director and CEO Mena Mark Hanna. “Jan Karski’s story is a vital reminder of the power of individual conscience and the enduring importance of bearing witness. This play offers a profound experience that aligns with Spoleto’s commitment to presenting meaningful and impactful works.”
Additionally, the venue for Indian Ink Theater Company’s performance of Mrs. Krishnan’s Party has changed to The Riviera; an iconic, revitalized Art Deco theater in the heart of downtown Charleston. This family-friendly performance blends theater, music, and culinary delights into a truly unforgettable experience. Five performances will take place at The Riviera from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8.
Tickets for all performances are now on sale at spoletousa.org or by calling the box office at (843) 579-3100.
ABOUT THE RIVIERA THEATER
The Riviera is an iconic, revitalized Art Deco theater in the heart of downtown Charleston, offering an intimate 600-seat venue for music, arts, and comedy. Hosting a diverse lineup—from Grammy winners to rising stars—The Riviera provides an up-close, unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.
ABOUT SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA
Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to create an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which he had founded in 1958. Now in its 48th year, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. Spoleto’s mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber while maintaining a dedication to young artists, a commitment to all forms of the performing arts, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unique performance opportunities for established artists. Beyond its role as a launching pad for young talent, Spoleto also serves as a catalyst for cultural change and has aided in Charleston’s flourishing as a top arts and culture destination. With General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna at its helm, the 2025 season takes place from May 23 to June 8 in various locations throughout Charleston. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.
