Synetic Theatre receives 3 Helen Hayes Awards

Georgian-founded, US-based movement and arts performance group Synetic Theater has been awarded several prestigious theatre awards that recognise excellence in professional theatre in America.

The Synetic Theater received three awards from 23 nominations in 47 categories of the Helen Hayes Awards, which are regarded as one of the most prestigious theatre awards in the Washington, D.C. area. This year more than 90 professional areas competed for an award.

In total, the company now had 27 Helen Hayes Awards. The Synetic Theatre has garnered acclaim for its Silent Shakespeare repertoire and its text-and movement-based classical pieces.

Kendra Rai received an award for Outstanding Costume Design, Irina Tsikurishvili (choreographer) and Ben Cunis (fight choreographer) were awarded for their Outstanding Choreography in a Play and the play Twelfth Night was awarded a prize for Outstanding Ensemble.

This year’s nominations for Helen Hayes Awards were announced at the National Theatre on January 26. The awards were established in 1985 in Washington to recognise excellence in professional theatre.

Synetic Theatre was founded in 2001 by Georgian couple Paata Tsikurishvili and his wife Irina. It has a predominantly Georgian cast. The shows offered contemporary theatre combined with traditions of the Caucusus with distinctly American styles to tell classic stories through movement, music, technology and visual arts.

In January 2014 the Tsikurishvili couple were named Washingtonians of the Year for their services to theatre in the Washington state. The couple have also been nominated for the top theatre awards, which are equivalent to the Oscars awards for film.

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