A new Lexington-based, professional theatre company will soon offer area residents the opportunity to experience firsthand original works by new and original voices in American theatre.
With plans to open its inaugural season this October, New Views Theatre “is committed to serving the broadest community through readings, workshops and productions that will enlighten, empower and prompt thoughtful and constructive dialogue about ideas, events, legacies and characters,” says founder and artistic director William R. Duell, who is also an accomplished playwright.
Duell says the theatre company’s name refers both to the natural beauty of this area and to the content the theatre will present. “Our theatre’s slogan is ‘We’ll give you something to talk about…,’ and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” he adds.
“Our presentations may entertain, comfort, challenge -- or even confound -- audiences of different backgrounds and points of view,” he says. “All of us at New Views Theatre firmly believe that no ideas grounded in reason, humanity and compassion are dangerous. Rather, as art and history remind us, they often lead to new thoughts, words and deeds.”
The company is currently in negotiations for a professional venue, but presentations may also take place at a variety of locations around Lexington “to engage the broadest possible audience,” Duell says.
To celebrate the establishment of this new cultural resource, members of the community are invited to attend a launch party this Saturday, April 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Patton Room in downtown Lexington.
The event will feature readings by professional actors of four short, original monologues by playwrights from across the country, a live auction of original artworks by local professional artists and a silent auction of valuable gift baskets and unique vintage items donated by generous area businesses and theatre supporters.
Admission is free, but space is limited and pre-registration by Thursday, April 10, is required to attend. To register, visit www.NewViewsTheatre.org/events.
Duell is a native of Buena Vista. His plays have been produced and workshopped across the U.S. Most recently, his full-length drama honor premiered in 2023 and had a successful run at the Gural Theatre in NYC, directed by Gerald vanHeerden and produced by vMHF Theatricals. His most recent play, the comedy-drama Planet First, was commissioned by Susan Ossman and the Anthropocene Research Kitchen at NYU Abu Dhabi. It will have its U.S. premiere in the spring of 2026, directed by acclaimed director Jennifer Decker, at Mildred's Umbrella Theater in Houston.
Duell is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America and its former Houston Regional Representative, a professional member of PEN America and a board member of Wordsmyth Theater Co., which promotes new works by playwrights from around the world. He is an advisory board member of Fade to Black, Houston's first and only national play festival to showcase new works by Black playwrights.
To learn more about New Views Theatre and to sign up for its growing mailing list for news, updates and future events, visit www.NewViewsTheatre.com.
