The Alley Theatre celebrated the start of its 2017-2018 season with the world premiere of Rajiv Joseph’s play “Describe the Night,” a multilayered work that traces the stories of seven men and women connected by history, myth and conspiracy theories, at the University of Houston. The play arrives during a challenging time after the devastation of the Alley’s Neuhaus Theatre and prop storage during Hurricane Harvey interrupted the Alley’s season schedule, but the organization proves that “the show must go on.”

On September 20, more than 50 Alley Board Members and guests attended a private pre-performance dinner prior to the opening of “Describe the Night.” The dinner was held on the familiar grounds at the UH School of Theatre & Dance, where the Alley operated temporarily during their 2014-2015 theater renovation. Among the guests who joined the celebration were playwright Rajiv Joseph, director Giovanna Sardelli and UH president Renu Khator. 

Alley Theatre Managing Director Dean R. Gladden welcomed the guests to the Opening Night Celebration and spoke of the “incredible journey” the staff and organization experienced in recent weeks. Gregory Boyd, artistic director at the Alley Theatre, shared his thoughts on the play’s world premiere before introducing director and playwright, who both spoke highly of the special collaboration with the Alley. 

“Describe the Night” is Joseph’s third world premiere with the Alley. He previously premiered the popular “Gruesome Playground Injuries” and “The Monster at the Door” in 2009 and 2011, respectively. “Describe the Night” runs at the Quintero Theatre at UH through October 15, 2017.