Arts & Entertainment Compass

A little less than a year ago, Et Alia Theater brought to the stage a bold and deeply compelling production: Until Dark, written by Federica Borlenghi, an Italian playwright and director. Praised for its modern and tactful approach to the sensitive themes of consent, sexual assault, and dysfunctional family dynamics. 

The play captivated audiences and critics alike at Out of the Box Theatrics in New York City from February 15 to March 3, 2024. Produced by Et Alia Theater, associate produced by Covi Loverbridge and co-produced by Mo Shah and Kavita Shah, Until Dark offered a complex narrative combined with expert staging, earning widespread acclaim, new renditions, and – most recently – a slew of award nominations. 

A Riveting Story of Sisterhood and Trauma

Borlegnhi’s Until Dark follows three estranged sisters, Cass, Jackie, and Lisa, who find themselves living together for the first time in years under some difficult circumstances. When Cass, a yoga instructor, is accused of sexual misconduct by one of her students, her semi-estranged sister Jackie immediately offers legal representation. However, when Lisa, their youngest sister, unexpectedly arrives to offer her solidarity, she is confronted with the unsettling truth about Cass’s actions. 

Set against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement in 2017, Until Dark intricately explores themes of familial bonds, PTSD, childhood trauma, and the lifelong impact of abuse. As the play develops and the sisters approach Cass’s trial, the tension in the apartment rises, leaving audiences with a palpable sense of what it means for these women to be sisters. 

Critics widely praised the production for its emotional depth and delivery. Holli Harms of Opening Night commended Borlenghi for exposing “the deep longing for connection and love in all its forms: parental, sibling, and friendship,” presenting a touching expose of the everlasting bond between the adults that grew together as troubled children. The play’s layered performances and gripping script made it a standout in the Off-Broadway scene. 

A BroadwayWorld Triumph: Eleven Nominations & Two Wins

The brilliance of Until Dark did not go unnoticed, earning an impressive eight BroadwayWorld nominations, including Best Play, Best Production of a Play, Best Costume and Sound Design and Best Director of a Play. Four of its leading actresses—Maria Müller, Giorgia Valenti, Luísa Galatti, and Ana Moioli—were recognized for their outstanding performances with nominations for Best Actor in a New Play.

The production also took home two major awards: Best Lighting Design (Adrian Yuen) and Best Set Design (Andrés López-Alicea). Callie Stribling of ArtsIndependent praised Yuen’s work, noting that it was “instrumental in shaping the space and complemented the set perfectly.” Other nominations included Best Costume Design and Best Sound Design; the entire design team was celebrated for their tangible, modern, and emotional presentation of the show with critics noting that their approaches perfectly fit the space. 

A Prestigious Second Run at the Romanian Cultural Institute

BroadwayWorld accolades weren’t the only recognition for Until Dark. Following its initial three-week run, the production was invited to perform at the Romanian Cultural Institute on April 19, 2024, for a special one-night engagement. This prestigious invitation held particular significance given Maria Müller’s Romanian background, a reflection of Et Alia’s mission to uplift the voices of international women and also had guests from the Italian Consulate in the audience 

Et Alia Theater: Uplifting International Women+ Artists

Beyond the success of Until Dark, Et Alia Theater continues to push boundaries in the arts. Founded by and for international women artists, the company is led by Executive Director Maria Müller, PR Director Giorgia Valenti, Narrative Director Ana Moioli, and Creative Development Director Luísa Galatti. Their mission is to foster a collective where multicultural storytelling thrives, and where those labeled as ‘others’ can find belonging. 

Since its inception in 2019, Et Alia Theater has staged seven main productions, Until Dark being their most recent. In addition to their mainstage shows, the company has ventured into digital storytelling, play development workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations, reinforcing their commitment to artistic innovation. 

Each year, Et Alia hosts the Theater Lab: Art by the Other, an initiative that provides international playwrights with development opportunities. In 2023, “Until Dark,” earned the winning spot in the initiative and in 2024, the program culminated in a one-on-one consultation with acclaimed playwright Diana Son for Gretta Marston’s Nani and led to the selection of Blood Orange by Abigail Duclos as the company’s next mainstage production.

Borlegnhi herself has expressed deep gratitude for the supportive environment Et Alia has cultivated. In an interview with Italics Magazine, she reflected on the company’s profound impact. “Providing a welcoming space for immigrant artists to connect, collaborate, and create has been a cornerstone of our mission. Seeing these bonds form brings immeasurable joy.”

Looking Ahead: Interactive Theater on the Ethics of AI

In addition to its theatrical productions, Et Alia is making waves in arts education. As part of the CONNECT program at Cooper Union University, the company facilitates workshops on Physical Expression and Intercultural Communication. March 2025 will mark the second year of their innovative immersive theater experience, Rossum’s Universal Artificial Intelligence, which explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. 

Designed for college students, the program combines performance and discussion and offers a unique approach to technology’s evolving role in society. Interested participants can learn more at Et Alia’s website.

With Until Dark, Et Alia Theater has proven itself as a powerhouse in Off-Broadway theater, bringing compelling, unique stories to the stage and giving voice to multifaceted and talented women. Their BroadwayWorld wins and ongoing commitment to nurturing international artists showcase their growing influence in the theatrical world. You should keep an eye on this influential theater as it continues to expand its impact through new productions and educational initiatives.