"The Visionary Call: Sarah Benson Urges Theater to Propel Audiences Forward"

Sarah Benson, former director of Soho Rep, reflects on her tenure and vision for the future of theater, emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries and offering audiences something new. Benson, known for her thought-provoking and unconventional productions, believes that naturalism in American theater falls short of creating an embodied conversation about joy and pain. She plans to pursue different opportunities in directing, including opera, and hopes that the New York theater ecosystem will return to a more community-oriented and experimental approach. Despite the challenges facing the industry, Benson remains optimistic about audiences' desire for innovative and challenging work.