This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
Many classic films originated on the stage — from William Inge’s “Picnic” and Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” to Jerome Robbins’ “West Side Story.” But the opposite is true for Synetic Theater’s new production of “The Immigrant”, running through March 23 at Arlington’s Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.
Directed by Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, this new project is based on the classic 1918 silent comedy starring and produced by Charlie Chaplin. Centered on Chaplin’s iconic Little Tramp, it follows a newly arrived immigrant navigating the trials, adventures, mishaps, and high hopes of the American immigrant journey at the turn of the 20th century.
As a theater founded, led, and shaped by immigrant artists, Synetic sees this as the perfect opportunity to adapt, expand, and reimagine the story. With its signature blend of physical comedy, innovation, and heart, the company brings a fresh perspective to this cinematic classic.
“Our production goes beyond an adaptation of the 1917 film The Immigrant. It’s a theatrical love letter to Chaplin’s artistry, struggles, and humanity — a story of hope, disillusionment, and resilience, told through his signature lens of tragicomedy,” says Synetic’s artistic director Paata Tsikurishvili. “And in many ways, it feels like we are telling our own story. Like Chaplin’s immigrant, we arrived in a new country, faced uncertainty, and built something from nothing. His journey mirrors our own, making this production not just a tribute, but something deeply personal.”
Founded in 2001 by Georgian immigrants Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, Synetic Theater has redefined storytelling in the Washington, D.C., area. The duo, who emigrated from Georgia in 1995, blends dance, theater, and film with Caucasus traditions and distinctly American styles. Their work has earned more than 100 Helen Hayes Award nominations, accolades from the American Theatre Wing, and the title of “Washingtonians of the Year” from “Washingtonian” magazine.
This production is presented with support from Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development, which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. Our mission is to create, support, and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington. For an array of activities across the visual and performing arts, please visit the Arlington Arts webpage.
Arlington audiences will have the first opportunity to see “The Immigrant,” which runs through March 23 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 South Old Glebe Road, in Arlington, Virginia.
A second staging will occur April 11–27 at Theater J in Washington, D.C. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Synetic Theater’s website.
