ARTSEMERSON PRESENTS THE SECRET SHARER

IDENTITY, CONNECTION & THE INTIMATE BOND BETWEEN TWO MEN AT SEA

*****

A STAGE ADAPTATION OF JOSEPH CONRAD’S 1909 NOVELLA
WORLD PREMIERE PERFORMANCE BY DNAWORKS
EMERSON PARAMOUNT CENTER
JACKIE LIEBERGOTT BLACK BOX
APRIL 24 – MAY 3, 2026

[Boston, MA – Friday, March 20, 2026] – ArtsEmerson, Boston’s leading presenter of contemporary world theater and film and the professional presenting and producing organization of Emerson College, is proud to present DNAWORKS’ World Premiere performance of The Secret Sharer, a gripping stage adaptation inspired by Joseph Conrad’s celebrated short story from April 24 – May 3, 2026 at the Emerson Paramount Center’s Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theater. This haunting and intimate theatrical experience invites audiences aboard a lone ship at sea where a young captain encounters a mysterious fugitive swimmer; a stranger who may also be his mirror.

Set against the vast isolation of the open ocean, The Secret Sharer explores the fragile boundaries between duty and compassion, authority, and self-discovery. As the captain secretly shelters the man aboard his ship, the encounter becomes a profound meditation on identity, resilience, and the quiet moments that shape who we become.

Through inventive staging and immersive storytelling, the production brings Conrad’s psychological drama vividly to life, transforming a classic literary work into a compelling dance-theatre journey that examines what it means to truly recognize ourselves in another.

“DNAWORKS is excited to be premiering The Secret Sharer in Boston, where I grew up and the seed of the project was planted — I first read the novella in my senior year of high school,” shares DNAWORKS Co-Founder Daniel Banks. “And we are especially honored to return to ArtsEmerson after their incredible hospitality for The Real James Bond…Was Dominican and their audience’s very warm reception. ArtsEmerson has supported the mission and development of this project for years, and it would not have been possible without their visionary programming. We look forward to sharing the intimacy and gentleness of this work and holding a resilient and healing space for Queer audiences and those who love and support us.”

“We are thrilled to present The Secret Sharer,” says Ronee Penoi, Interim Executive Director of the Office of the Arts & Director of Artistic Programming at ArtsEmerson. “This timeless story asks us to consider the moments when our sense of responsibility collides with our humanity. At its heart, The Secret Sharer reminds us that the path to understanding ourselves often begins when we encounter someone who reflects our own fears, doubts, and courage back to us.”

Tickets for The Secret Sharer may be purchased 24/7 at ArtsEmerson.org, or by calling 617-824-8400 (Tue-Sat from 12:00PM ET – 6:00PM ET). The Paramount Center Box Office (559 Washington Street, Boston) is open for walk-up service Thu-Sat from Noon – 6:00 PM ET. Tickets start at $27.50. Groups of 10+ attending a performance save up to 30%.

For production stills and other media kit assets, click here.

LISTINGS INFORMATION FOR THE SECRET SHARER

Dates:
April 24 – May 3, 2026

Venue:
Emerson Paramount Center
Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theater
559 Washington St
Boston, MA 02111

Performance Schedule:

Ticket Information:
Tickets for The Secret Sharer may be purchased 24/7 at ArtsEmerson.org, or by calling 617-824-8400 (Tue-Sat from 12:00PM ET – 6:00PM ET). The Paramount Center Box Office (559 Washington Street, Boston) is open for walk-up service Thu-Sat from Noon – 6:00 PM ET. Tickets start at $27.50. Groups of 10+ attending a performance save up to 30%.

Content:
Recommended for Ages 11+

Running Time:
80 minutes, no intermission

Public Health Information:
Mask-wearing is strongly encouraged at all times while indoors at the theatre but is no longer required for most* performances and events. For folks who require a socially distanced seating location or who have other questions or concerns, please contact the Box Office by phone at 617.824.8400 or by emailing tickets@artsemerson.org to arrange seating that accommodates your needs. Masks and face shields will also be available at the theatre upon request. If you or a member of your party is feeling sick, experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or has been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 10 days, please stay home. Our box office will allow you to refund or exchange performance tickets at any time prior to the event. No one should come to the venue if they are not feeling well. It is within our values to create a safe space for everyone, full stop. All staff at the Theatres of Emerson College are working to ensure the health and safety of all who are sharing these spaces. Maintaining our community’s health and safety requires the effort of all involved. By committing to this Shared Code of Conduct, you are not only protecting yourself, but fellow guests, artists, and staff. Please do all you can to help keep all of us safe. We cannot wait to see you at the theater! Click here to review full info on Health and Wellness information.

CREDITS & BIOGRAPHIES

A DNAWORKS Production With:
Alvon Reed, Kenneth Norris, Kwesi Johnson, and Daniel Banks

Production Team:
Lia Wallfish (Co-Costume Designer), Christopher Treviño (Associate Lighting Designer), Rose Tablizo (Stage Manager), Mel Ng (Co-Costume Designer), Jam Martinez (Production Manager), Ant Ma (Co-Scenic Designer), Brielle Fowlkes (Assistant Director), Marika Kent (Lighting Designer), Yu-Hsuan Chen (Co-Scenic Designer), Cath Brittan (Producer) Ray Archie (Co-Sound Designer and Sound Engineer)

Co-Creators: Papi Salgado (Stage Management), Alvon Reed (Co-Choreographer), Giovanni Ortega (Associate Director), Kenneth Norris (Composer), Adam W. McKinney (Co-Choreographer), Antonio David Lyons (Performer), Kwesi Johnson (Co-Choreographer), Diego Alejandro González (Associate Director), Daniel Banks (Director)

PRESENTER INFORMATION

ArtsEmerson
ArtsEmerson is the professional presenting and producing organization at Emerson College, and its mission is to bring people together to experience powerful performances that delight, provoke, and inspire, celebrating both our differences and common humanity. Founded in 2010 by Robert J. Orchard — the year the U.S. Census confirmed there was no single cultural majority in Boston — ArtsEmerson is committed to building a cultural institution that reflects the diversity of our city. Our imaginative and globe-spanning live and virtual performances, films, and conversations invites each of us to be part of a Boston that is more creative, equitable, and connected. ArtsEmerson is led by Interim Executive Director of the Office of the Arts & ArtsEmerson Director of Artistic Programming, Ronee Penoi. For more information visit ArtsEmerson.org.

Emerson College
Emerson College is uniquely dedicated to the arts and communication, educating and inspiring storytellers and artists to impact and advance creative industries and media throughout the world. Distinguished faculty spearhead a dynamic curriculum and guide several thousand undergraduate students and 1,300 graduate students to exhibit an unyielding spirit of creativity, professionalism, and critical thought, to transform lives, and make a profound impact on our community and beyond. Based in the world-class city of Boston, Massachusetts, opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city’s Theater District, the College offers experiential learning programs in Boston and across the globe: at Emerson Los Angeles, located in Hollywood, at its 14th-century castle, in the Netherlands, and at 28 global programs. Emersonians, including 58,000+ alumni, shape industries, inspire change, and amplify voices that redefine our culture. For more information, visit emerson.edu.

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