Describe the Night
by Austin Playhouse
Jan. 30 - Feb. 22, 2026
Beginning in Poland, 1920, a war correspondent befriends an officer of the Russian Red Cavalry. In 1989, a Stasi agent spies on a woman in Dresden and falls in love. In 2010, an aircraft carrying Polish government officials crashes in Smolensk. Connecting seven lives over 90 years, this Obie Award-winner is a powerful and timely look at memory, misinformation, and how lies have the power to shape history in an increasingly unstable world.
Set in Russia over the course of 90 years, this arresting, epic play by Rajiv Joseph follows the stories of seven Russians-soldiers and poets, KGB agents and journalists-as they unearth mysteries, connected by history, lies, fiction and blood.
Casting for Describe the Night includes Stephen Mercantel as Isaac; Tobie Minor as Nikolai; Andrea Osborn as Yevgenia; Brennan Patrick as Vova; Alyssa Hurtado as Urzula; Devin Finn as Feliks; and Lara Toner as Mariya.
Directed by Ben Wolfe. The production team also includes Mark Novick as lighting designer; Buffy Manners as costume designer; Mike Toner as scenic designer; Sarah Zeringue as properties designer; and Robert S. Fisher as sound designer.
Age Recommendation: Describe the Night contains adult language and frank discussions of totalitarianism, paranoia, and violence in Soviet/Post-Soviet Russia. It is recommended for adults. Children aged 13 and above are permitted, but parental discretion is advised.
Describe the Night
by Rajiv Joseph
Austin Playhouse
January 30 - February 22, 2026
Austin Playhouse West Campus, 22nd St at San Antonio St., Austin
Performances will take place at Austin Playhouse, located in the heart of West Campus at 405 West 22nd St. Free street parking is available with paid parking conveniently located one block away at the UT Co-Op Parking Garage at 2214 San Antonio St. Reserved parking is available through SpotHero. More information on parking options can be found at austinplayhouse.com/directions.
Tickets start at $24 with Pick-Your-Price Thursdays and Half-Price Student Tickets. Group discounts are available for parties of 10+. Group inquiries can be made at boxoffice@playhouse.com. Single tickets are on sale today at austinplayhouse.com/describe.
