Georgian couple named as Washingtonians of the Year

A Georgian couple living in the United States have been named as Washingtonians of the Year for outstanding service to their community.

Synetic Theater co-founders Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili will be recognized with the prestigious honour on January 15 by the Washingtonian magazine Broadway World for "being local heroes in their commitment to making the Washington DC community a better place through boundary-pushing theater.

"Irina and I are deeply moved and honored to be recognized alongside so many distinguished local leaders as Washingtonians of the Year," said PaataTsikurishvili.

"When we founded Synetic Theater we wanted to share our way of storytelling and we are thrilled by the way the Washington community has welcomed us."

Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili moved to the United States in the 1990s to pursue a career in theatre. Their creative vision resulted in the inception of Synetic Theater, which has been operating successfully for the past 12 years.

 Trained in innovative dance, theater and film, the Tsikurishvilis combined Caucuses tradition with distinct American styles to tell classical stories in a unique way.

Synetic Theater made its artistic debut in 2002 with a wordless Hamlet show and quickly established itself as a dazzling and innovative physical theater company. The couples efforts were recognized and they were awarded three 2003 Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Resident Play, Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Director.

To date, Synetic Theatre has earned 92 Helen Hayes Nominations and received 24 Helen Hayes Awards, garnering acclaim for its "Silent Shakespeare repertoire and its text-and movement-based classical pieces.

Paata and Irina are currently collaborating on their 10th "Silent Shakespeare" adaptation - a 1920s version of Twelfth Night inspired by the silent films of the 1920-era and the comedy of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. Directed by Paata and choreographed by Irina,who also stars as the main character Viola,  Twelfth Night  will play in Crystal City from January 9 to February 16.

 It is estimated Synetic Theatre reaches more than 36,000 patrons annually through its productions, educational studios and  community projects.