Stageworks Theatre Presents "My Name Is Asher Lev"

The play explores the tension between art, faith, and identity in a story of a gifted young painter.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Stageworks Theatre in Tampa, Florida is presenting the play "My Name Is Asher Lev" from March 5 to 22, 2026. The play follows a gifted young painter whose artistic calling places him in direct tension with the traditions and expectations of the world that shaped him. The production is being directed by Karla Hartley, who previously stage managed the play a decade ago and believes this is the right moment to revisit the story as it highlights the role of artists as change makers and innovators.

Why it matters

At a time when art, faith, and identity feel increasingly intertwined with public debate, "My Name Is Asher Lev" explores these themes in a way that director Karla Hartley believes will resonate with audiences, whether they are artists themselves or not. The play's exploration of a young person's struggle to pursue their artistic calling despite obstacles is a universal story that many will connect with.

The details

The play features actor Jaryn McCanns in the title role of Asher Lev, a gifted young painter. McCanns was immediately struck by the language and emotional clarity of the script, describing Asher's use of language as "beautiful" and "poetic." The small cast is working together in rehearsals to sustain the tension in the story, with McCanns crediting his co-stars Nicole Jeannine Smith and Landon Green for helping to create meaningful moments. Director Karla Hartley is shaping the production with a focus on clarity, emotional truth, and the intimate scale of the Stageworks Theatre space, where the audience will feel the story unfold with striking immediacy.

  • The play will run from March 5 to 22, 2026 at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa, Florida.

The players

Jaryn McCanns

The actor who plays the title role of Asher Lev, a gifted young painter. McCanns was immediately struck by the language and emotional clarity of the script.

Karla Hartley

The director of the production, who previously stage managed a production of the play at American Stage about a decade ago and believes this is the right moment to revisit the story.

Nicole Jeannine Smith

One of Jaryn McCanns' co-stars, who is helping to create meaningful moments in rehearsals.

Landon Green

One of Jaryn McCanns' co-stars, who is helping to create meaningful moments in rehearsals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everything about this story and these characters are beautiful. In fact, that was the only word that could come to mind at the end of my initial reading of the play. Asher's use of language is just as beautiful as what he does with a paint brush. His alliteration, imagery and poetic way of speaking just hits your ear in a perfect way.”

— Jaryn McCanns, Actor playing Asher Lev

“Being able to learn from them during rehearsals and then also create these moments together is helping that tension stay present throughout.”

— Jaryn McCanns, Actor playing Asher Lev

“Why decide to produce and direct it in 2026? Some of the things under attack in this day and age are art, faith and identity. We need a play that highlights the role of artists as change makers and innovators.”

— Karla Hartley, Director

“A roomful of artists can't help but connect with the plight of a young person trying to explain the gossamer string that's connects us to the art that we make. But it is a universal enough story that you don't need to be an artist to relate.”

— Karla Hartley, Director

“I'm hoping people leave the theatre feeling inspired to go after what they want in life no matter the obstacle, just like Asher.”

— Jaryn McCanns, Actor playing Asher Lev

What’s next

Tickets for "My Name Is Asher Lev" at Stageworks Theatre are on sale now for performances from March 5 to 22, 2026.

The takeaway

"My Name Is Asher Lev" explores the timely themes of art, faith, and identity through the story of a gifted young painter, offering audiences a universal tale of pursuing one's calling despite obstacles. The production at Stageworks Theatre promises to bring this story to life with emotional truth and immediacy.