Synetic Theater, Washington’s acclaimed movement-based company, will remain in its Arlington, VA facility at least through late 2022, its landlord announced.
Speculation about the fate of the troupe, a DC-area institution since 1996, had been rampant ever since the announcement came that Amazon would use the building at 1800 S. Bell Street, and that Synetic’s lease would end in August, 2019.
The landlord, JBG SMITH Properties, stated that it “has been actively working alongside Amazon to secure a long-term home for the respected cultural organization in National Landing.” It resolved the matter by extending Synetic’s lease for its current 12,000-square foot facility.
“National Landing” is a term which Amazon development project uses to describe an area which includes Crystal City, the eastern portion of Pentagon City, and the northern portion of Potomac Yard. Amazon intends to build its supplemental headquarters in this area. Amazon had also planned to build a substantial site in Long Island City, New York, but scuttled those designs in the face of local opposition.
“A thriving arts scene is a vital component of any successful mixed-use community,” said Andrew VanHorn, Executive Vice President at JBG SMITH. “Synetic Theater has been one of National Landing’s leading cultural organizations for nearly a decade, and this agreement ensures that the theater’s work will continue to enrich and inspire the community for years to come.”
“We are excited for Synetic Theater’s role in the future of National Landing,” said Paata Tsikurishvili, Founding Artistic Director of Synetic Theater. “[O]ur hope is to be a source of enjoyment to both current residents and those who will be joining National Landing.”
Synetic is currently performing Cyrano do Bergerac, which will run through March 10, in the Synetic Theater.
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