Ironbound

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Ross Zentner

Jonathan Wainwright and Cassandra Bissell in 'Ironbound.'

Jonathan Wainwright and Cassandra Bissell in 'Ironbound,' Forward Theater, 2026.

Forward Theater Company presents the Wisconsin premiere of a play centered on a timely topic: the experience of an immigrant in America. Ironbound, by Martyna Majok, tells the story of a couple decades in the life of a woman from Eastern Europe who lands on the East Coast in the late 20th and early 21st century looking for a better life, and love, in a new country. How will her life plans change over the years while fighting for a secure existence? Performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, plus 2 p.m. on Feb. 7 and 14. 

1/29-2/15, Playhouse, at 7:30 pm Wednesday-Saturday and 2 pm Sunday, plus 2 pm, 2/7 & 14. $69-$54.

media release: For their third production of the 2025-26 season, Forward Theater Company will present Ironbound by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok. Directed by Marcella Kearns. Performances are in the Playhouse at Overture Center for the Arts, January 29 - February 15. 

After an award-winning off-Broadway run, Ironbound is finding a new life in regional theaters across the country. Forward continues its tradition of producing contemporary works, giving Madison theatergoers a chance to experience this humorous and heartrending play. 

“Ironbound has some personal resonance for me,” said director Marcella Kearns. “New Jersey was home base for some of my own immigrant Polish family. So much of this play is about scarcity and abundance. The transactional versus the free.”

“This is a love story: for a child, for a partner, for the self,” she continued. “But it’s not a naive one, nor is it happily ever after. It’s about acknowledging need in order to move forward. No one in this play gives in or settles in the end. They run towards what they need.”

THE STORY

It takes work to dream… especially at a bus stop in New Jersey. An immigrant fighting for a better life learns what’s fleeting and what lasts, in this clear-eyed and darkly funny portrait spanning 22 years. Ironbound is a meditation on hope, love, and staying human.

ARTISTIC TEAM

Cast members: Gabriel Anderle (new to Forward!), Cassandra Bissell (Russian Troll Farm, The Wanderers, Murder Girl), Advisory Company member Josh Krause (Clarkston, The Amateurs, A Case for the Existence of God), and Jonathan Wainwright (Clarkston).

Scenic Designer: Lisa Schlenker

Lighting Designer: Noele Stollmack

Costume Designer: Shelley Cornia

Composer & Sound Designer: Joe Cerqua

Props Director: Jolie Sarajian

Technical Directors: Aaron Sewell, Steve Watson

Stage Manager: Abbi Hess

ACCESSIBILITY

ASL Interpretation: The Saturday, February 14 performance at 2:00pm will have ASL interpretation and audio description. Special seating is available with a view of the ASL interpreter.

Forward Theater also offers a variety of amenities in the Playhouse at Overture Center that make the theater going experience more accessible for all, including assistive listening devices, large print programs, and more. Visit forwardtheater.com/accessibility for details.

SPONSORS

Lead Producers: Nancy Ciezki & Diane Kostecke; Sponsor: TruStage; Associate Sponsor: Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, and Dane Arts

Media Sponsor: Our Lives magazine