43rd Annual William Inge Theatre Festival

The 43rd William Inge Theatre Festival

April 23–25, 2026

The 43rd William Inge Theatre Festival invites visitors to Independence, Kansas for a three-day celebration of playwrights, storytelling, and new theatrical work. Held in the hometown of Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright William Inge, the Festival honors his legacy while continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting contemporary voices in theatre.

Founded to celebrate Inge’s life and work, the Festival creates a welcoming space where playwrights, artists, and audiences come together to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. Through performances, conversations, and creative exploration, the Festival fosters a strong sense of community and artistic growth.

Festival highlights include the 9th New Play Lab, along with workshops, discussions, and opportunities to engage with new and emerging work. Visitors are encouraged to experience the creativity, energy, and inspiration that define Independence as a true playwrights’ town.

Whether you are a theatre enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience, the William Inge Theatre Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the power of storytelling in the place where it all began.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Theatre Performance: Living Dead in Denmark

Independence Community College Theatre presents Living Dead in Denmark by Qui Nguyen, a fast-paced, action-packed sequel to Shakespeare’s Hamlet with a zombie-filled twist. When a viral outbreak threatens the kingdom of Denmark, a resurrected Ophelia teams up with Lady Macbeth, Juliet, and Fortinbras to fight back using martial arts, pop music, and plenty of B-movie flair. This high-energy horror-comedy blends classic Shakespearean characters with modern pop culture, thrilling fight choreography, and undead chaos for a wildly entertaining theatrical experience.