Available Beginning October 23
Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?
UNDER SUSPICION. UNDER PRESSURE. UNDER OATH.
October 17 – December 6, 2026
Credits
By Eric Bentley
Directed by Anna D. Shapiro
Location
Kreeger Theater
Running Time
Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes with no intermission
Staring down the House Committee on Un-American Activities, a group of artists face impossible choices: defend their integrity, protect their careers, or betray their peers.
Straight from Off-Broadway comes a timely and important play — Eric Bentley's ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro. This electrifying docudrama drops you into the tense world of the 1940s House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings, where fame offered no protection and political pressure could end a career.
Using only the original transcripts, the play features the words of artists like Arthur Miller, Jerome Robbins, Paul Robeson, Elia Kazan, Lillian Hellman, Abe Burrows, and Lionel Stander as they faced impossible choices: defend their integrity, protect their careers, or betray their peers. And yet the probing, chilling questions posed by the committee are as powerful as the testimonies themselves, revealing a climate of intimidation and moral conflict that resonates far beyond its time.
Creative
Accessible Performances
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 8:00pm
ASL Interpreted
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 2:00pm
Audio Described
Sunday, November 22, 2026 | 6:00pm
Early Curtain
Affinity Nights
Saturday, October 17 | 8:00PM
College Night
Students, grab $35 tickets using code COLLEGE once single tickets are on sale. The night is yours! College ID required at time of pickup.
Wednesday, October 21 | 7:30PM
Pride Night
Celebrate with $40 tickets using code PRIDE, once single tickets are on sale. Come for the show, stay for the vibes!
Saturday, October 24 | 8:00PM
Young Professionals Night
Network over happy hour at 6:30PM, catch the show, and connect with fellow theater lovers! Use code YOUNGPRO (ages 18–45) for $35 tickets, plus fees, once single tickets are one sale.
Wednesday, October 28 | 7:30PM
HBCU & Friends Night
Rep your colors! Calling all HBCU students, staff, and alumni to come out to the show that will have everyone talking. Use code HBCU for $40 tickets once single tickets are on sale.
Discount Programs
Arena Stage is committed to making world-class theater accessible to as many members of our community as possible. Our programs have limited capacity and patrons are encouraged to order early to ensure availability.
Special Performances
All Performances October 17 - 21
Southwest Nights
Patrons who reside or work in Southwest DC can buy discounted tickets for our special Southwest Night performances! Tickets are $29 for this production. Proof of Southwest DC residency or employment for each member of the party must be presented at the time of ticket pick-up. Tickets are based on availability.
Use Promo Code SWNIGHTS or click here to purchase once single tickets are on sale!
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Childcare Matinee
Arena Stage, In partnership with the National Children’s Theatre, will host a Childcare Matinee performance of Are You Now or Have You Ever Been on November 15. There will be sessions for children ages 3 - 5 and children ages 6 - 12.
More information coming soon!