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How to Defend Yourself

First Preview: Feb 22, 2023
Opening Date: Mar 13, 2023
Closing Date: Apr 2, 2023
Running Time: 01:40
How to Defend Yourself

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Playing @
New York Theatre Workshop
79 East 4th Street, New York City, NY 10003
In a DIY self-defense class, college students learn to use their bodies as weapons. They learn to fend off attackers. They learn “not to be a victim.” Self-defense becomes a channel for their rage, anxiety, confusion, trauma and desire—lots of desire. With sharp humor and brutal honesty, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself explores what we want, how to ask for it and the violator and violated inside us all. Tony Award-winning NYTW Usual Suspect Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), Susan Smith Blackburn finalist Liliana Padilla (TWITCH) and Princess Grace Award winner Steph Paul (The Last Match) will co-direct the production.
Off BroadwayPlay - Drama
Show Notes: No intermission
Age Guidance: 16
Audience Advisory: How to Defend Yourself discusses but does not depict sex and sexual violence.

Performance Schedule

TUESDAY-THURSDAY @ 7 PM
FRIDAY @ 8 PM
SATURDAY @ 2 PM & 8 PM
SUNDAY @ 2 PM & 7 PM

No 2 PM performance on February 25
No performance on March 14
No 7 PM performance on March 26


Written By
  • Liliana Padilla

Director
  • Liliana Padilla
  • Rachel Chavkin & Steph Paul

TDF Tickets Offers:

Listed at

Never

Full-price tickets:

$25.00 - $65.00

Lottery & Rush

CheapTix Rush: If you’re under 25, over 65, an artist or a resident of the East Village and Lower East Side, you can snag a $25 seat via NYTW's CheapTix Rush at any performance. Rush tickets are subject to availability and are sold day-of at the box office with a limit of two tickets per person. Proper ID is required for all rush tickets and paying in cash is encouraged.

Accessibility

  • Box Office

    Counter 44"
  • Curb Ramps

    Corner of 2nd Avenue & East 4th Street
  • Passenger Loading Zone

    Front of Entrance
  • Restroom

    All stalls are equipped with handrails and the first stall in the “GENERAL SEATING” restroom is sized to accommodate mobility aids. 35.75" Door to restrooms. Women's: Door 26". Stall 35" x48". Commode 15". Mens: Door 26". Stall 36" x 60". Commode 15". Urinal 27".
  • Elevator/Escalator

    None
  • Entrance

    Double doors (each 29.5")
  • Visual Assistance

    Low vision seating available upon request as available. Programs available in large print: ask an usher, house manager, or box office representative
  • Water Fountain

    Spout 36"
  • Assisted Listening System

    FM Assistive Listening Devices are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis from the box office. An ID or credit card is required to borrow a listening device for the duration of the performance.
  • Wheelchair Info

    Wheelchair accessible seating available
  • Folding Armrests

    Wheelchair-accessible seats with tipping arms and wide seats available at all performances

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