Great Barrington, Massachusetts – The Great Barrington Public Theater (GBPT) is gearing up for its seventh season with a move to a new performance space and a lineup of world premiere plays, as announced by Artistic Directors Jim Frangione and Judy Braha, alongside Managing Director Serena Johnson. The season will unfold at a newly configured, intimate black box theater within the Great Hall at Saint James Place, boasting upgraded lighting and seating to enhance the audience experience.
The 2026 season will kick off with “Fragments,” a new play written and performed by Jim Petosa, and directed by Judy Braha. A developmental reading of the piece is scheduled for May 2 at 4 PM, serving as a prelude to the full production slated for late June. This marks a significant moment for GBPT, as they continue their commitment to showcasing new works and fostering a vibrant theatrical community in the Berkshires.
A Play Rooted in Personal History
“Fragments” delves into a deeply personal narrative, exploring the impact of the AIDS crisis on one couple between 1985 and 1990. Director Judy Braha emphasized the play’s relevance in a time when historical narratives are increasingly challenged. “In a world where it has become more and more common for history to be eroded, rewritten or erased entirely, Jim Petosa’s new play, Fragments, is a gift,” she stated. “Doing what the theater does best, this piece is a memoir of a remarkably specific time and place that shines a light on the turbulent years…when the world was overtaken by the AIDS crisis.”
Petosa’s play is structured as a series of episodes, or “fragments,” initially shared as oral histories with close friends. These stories have evolved over time, shaped by details and specific phrasing, and now seize center stage as a theatrical production. The play aims to encourage reflection on themes of loss, grief, and resilience, resonating with audiences through its intimate and honest portrayal of a challenging era.
Expanding Artistic Leadership and a Commitment to New Work
The announcement of the 2026 season follows the recent expansion of GBPT’s artistic leadership. In December 2025, the theater announced Judy Braha’s appointment as Co-Artistic Director, joining Founder and Artistic Director Jim Frangione. Braha previously served as Associate Artistic Director, a role she assumed in 2023 after two years of directing for the company.
Frangione expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to aid advance the interests of the theater as we move into the next phase of growth as the region’s premiere developmental theater.” Braha’s contributions have been particularly notable in the growth of GB Public Theater’s signature program, Berkshires Voices, which provides a platform for playwrights to develop their work through readings, workshops, and full productions. Broadway World reported on the leadership change, highlighting its impact on the theater’s artistic direction.
A New Venue for a New Season
The move to Saint James Place signifies a new chapter for GBPT, offering a more intimate and adaptable performance space. The upgraded facilities are designed to create a unique atmosphere for these provocative new plays, further solidifying the theater’s position as a hub for contemporary theatrical innovation. The theater’s commitment to presenting new plays, as articulated by Frangione, is central to its mission: “We’re not here to perform ‘Charley’s Aunt’ or ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’; we’re here to do new plays that the audience has never seen before,” according to The Berkshire Edge.
As GBPT prepares for its 2026 season, the theater continues to build on its reputation for fostering new voices and delivering compelling theatrical experiences. The upcoming season promises to be a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of live performance in the Berkshires.
The Great Barrington Public Theater’s 2026 season is poised to deliver thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experiences for audiences. Further details regarding ticketing and additional programming will be announced in the coming months. Share your thoughts on the upcoming season in the comments below!
