Undermain Theatre

==Undermain Theatre== '''Undermain Theatre''' is a distinguished and innovative theater company based in Dallas, Texas, renowned for its commitment to producing experimental and language-driven works. Founded in 1984 by a group of visionary artists, including co-founders Bruce DuBose and the late Katherine Owens, Undermain transformed a warehouse basement located under Main Street into a vibrant performance space that has since become a cornerstone of the Dallas arts community. ===History=== The inception of Undermain Theatre was marked by a dedication to avant-garde performances, which quickly garnered the attention and acclaim of both local and national audiences and critics. The San Diego Union-Tribune lauded Undermain as "one of the best small theaters in America," while The Dallas Morning News described it as "our most daring and accomplished theatrical troupe." Undermain's journey includes a significant international presence, most notably its 1995 tour to Macedonia during the siege of Sarajevo, where the company performed to full houses in ancient Roman amphitheaters. Expanding its reach, Undermain has also produced six plays in New York, culminating in the original adaptation of Neil Young's "Greendale" in 2008. Over the past 35 years, Undermain Theatre has established a subscription season that attracts over 5,500 patrons from North Texas annually. The company is dedicated to premiering new works, revisiting important modern plays, and reimagining classic pieces by writers who have influenced their experimental tradition. TheaterJones' Martha Heimberg praised Undermain's production of Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day’s Journey Into Night," stating, "It’s all here - in the kind of passionate, calibrated production we’ve come to expect at Undermain." Undermain Theatre has been instrumental in shaping Dallas into a writer-friendly city, having produced 35 world premieres and introducing new voices to Dallas audiences. American Theatre Magazine acknowledged the company's role in "seeding the ground for a writer-friendly town." In recognition of its artistic excellence, Undermain was named Best Theater in 2015 by both D Magazine and the Dallas Observer. ===Artistic Company=== At its core, Undermain Theatre is sustained by its company of 17 artists, comprising actors, directors, designers, and producers who are integral to the theatre's artistic endeavors. The company has attracted nationally recognized talent, including Tony Award-winning designer John Arnone and Obie Award-winning playwright and director Len Jenkin. ===Venue=== Undermain's home in historic Deep Ellum is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The intimate performance space is noted for its 90 restored original Frank Lloyd Wright chairs, which contribute to an immersive and unique theater-going experience in North Texas. As the sole non-profit arts organization in Deep Ellum, Undermain Theatre has played a pivotal role in the neighborhood's revitalization. ===Legacy of Katherine Owens=== The theatre community suffered a great loss with the passing of Founding Artistic Director Katherine Owens on July 21, 2019. Owens's transformative and inspiring artistry left an indelible mark on Undermain Theatre and the broader theater world. Her legacy continues under the leadership of her husband and artistic partner, Producing Artistic Director Bruce DuBose, as the company upholds the artistic vision she crafted for Undermain. Undermain Theatre remains a beacon of artistic innovation and excellence, inspiring, educating, and challenging audiences and artists alike through its commitment to groundbreaking theatrical production.