Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?
Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? is Eric Bentley’s documentary-style drama about the House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings of the 1940s. Directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, the play follows artists forced to choose between defending their principles, protecting their careers, and betraying colleagues under intense political pressure.
Based entirely on the original hearing transcripts, the production gives voice to figures including Arthur Miller, Jerome Robbins, Paul Robeson, Elia Kazan, Lillian Hellman, Abe Burrows, and Lionel Stander. The committee’s interrogations and the artists’ testimonies expose a climate of intimidation and moral conflict that continues to resonate beyond the historical period.
When: October 17 through December 6, 2026
Venue: Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage
Run time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, with no intermission
Tickets: Price not available. Single tickets are not yet on sale. Discounted ticket prices are listed for certain special performances once tickets become available.
Playwright: Eric Bentley
Director: Anna D. Shapiro
Premise: During the 1940s House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings, a group of artists faces impossible choices as political scrutiny threatens their careers, integrity, and relationships with their peers.
Featured historical voices: Arthur Miller, Jerome Robbins, Paul Robeson, Elia Kazan, Lillian Hellman, Abe Burrows, and Lionel Stander, among others whose words appear in the original transcripts.
Set design: Andrew Boyce
Costume design: Johanna Pan
Lighting design: Donald Holder
Sound design: Milbo Music
Projection design: Brittany Bland
Hair and wig design: Brittany Hartman
New York casting: The Telsey Office
DC casting: Raiyon Hunter, CSA
Stage management: Morgan R. Holbrook, stage manager; Dayne Sundman, assistant stage manager
Accessible performances: Closed-captioned performance on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.; ASL-interpreted performance on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.; and audio-described performance on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Accessible performances are available beginning October 23.
College Night: Saturday, October 17, at 8:00 p.m. Students can use code COLLEGE for $35 tickets when single-ticket sales open. A college ID is required at pickup.
Pride Night: Wednesday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. Code PRIDE provides $40 tickets when single-ticket sales open.
Young Professionals Night: Saturday, October 24, at 8:00 p.m. A happy hour begins at 6:30 p.m. Patrons ages 18–45 can use code YOUNGPRO for $35 tickets plus fees when single-ticket sales open.
HBCU & Friends Night: Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. HBCU students, staff, and alumni can use code HBCU for $40 tickets when single-ticket sales open.
Southwest Nights: Special performances run October 17–21. Patrons who live or work in Southwest DC can purchase $29 tickets with promo code SWNIGHTS, subject to availability. Each member of the party must show proof of Southwest DC residency or employment when picking up tickets.
Childcare Matinee: Sunday, November 15, 2026. Arena Stage is partnering with the National Children’s Theatre to provide childcare sessions for children ages 3–5 and ages 6–12. Further details were not yet available.
Discount programs: Arena Stage notes that its discount programs have limited capacity and encourages patrons to order early.