In an unexpected move, Hana Sharif announced her resignation from the artistic director position at Arena Stage, effective June 30.
Sharif, in a letter published June 26, indicated that there has been a conflict between how she and the Arena Stage Board saw moving the award-winning regional theater forward.
“Ultimately, the Board and I arrived at a crossroads — one defined not by a lack of shared love for this institution, but by differing visions for how Arena Stage should meet the future: what art belongs at its center, how its teams should be built and empowered to evolve, and what a sustainable path forward truly requires,” Sharif wrote. “It is precisely because of my deep respect for this organization that I believe this transition is the right and honest choice for us both.”
Sharif’s tenure began in 2023 when she became the D.C. institution’s first Black woman leader. She is on a short list of major theater companies run by Black artists. Previously, Sharif led the Repertory Theater of St. Louis. When arriving at Arena Stage in August 2023, she entered with a goal to bring more individuals to the theater’s audience.
“My job is to curate the most compelling, exciting, and innovative artistic voices. Regardless of age, race, social, or economic condition, I want D.C. to have access, an opportunity, and an authentic invitation,” said Sharif in a 2023 article in the Washington Informer.
In her resignation letter, the artistic director recapped her accomplishments.
“During my tenure, Arena Stage produced nine world premieres, eight second step productions and advanced eight commercially enhanced productions,” the barrier-breaking leader wrote.
A statement from the Arena Stage press office reads: “This fall, the Board of Trustees will begin planning for an artistic director search as part of a larger strategic planning process. Arena Stage will continue to be led by Edgar Dobie, president and executive producer, who joined Arena Stage in 2009.”
Upon learning about Sharif’s departure from Arena, Monty Cole, a writer, producer and director based in Los Angeles, celebrated the artist’s work and leadership.
“I must say, Hana Sharif is one of the best producers I’ve ever gotten to work with as an artist,” Cole said. “She has a vision for what stories need to be told and what audiences can be served. Arena Stage is suffering a loss here, but I’m excited for whatever she wants to build next.
What about the other side of the story and the other not so positive comments about this “leader” on social media? Seems like a very one sided article.
Why didn’t you write a real story? You get one quote: from a writer in Los Angeles? Pathetic. There are COUNTLESS instances where she abused staff (men, women, people of color), bullied artists with whom she was “collaborating,” committed errors of money mismanagement, etc., etc., etc. She was flushing a great institution down the toilet, and behaving like a monster. And this news outlet is called the “Informer?”
The Ghosts of Molly Smith may have played a role in the clash of artist visions!