World Premiere of "The Ocean We Swim In" Opens at PURE Theatre This April

The new play by local playwright Brad Erickson uncovers haunting secrets of the past and offers a path to reconciliation.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:40pm

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PURE Theatre announced the World Premiere of a new play inspired by the lives of two now-forgotten Lowcountry artists. Written by local playwright Brad Erickson, The Ocean We Swim In uncovers haunting secrets of the past and offers a path to reconciliation. Directed by Sharon Graci, performances will run from April 16 to May 9 at the Cannon Street Arts Center.

Why it matters

The play is not only set in the Lowcountry, but it is also steeped in Lowcountry history and characters, making it a unique and locally-relevant production. PURE Theatre's commitment to new work and expertise in bringing new plays to life make it the perfect company to premiere this personal play.

The details

In the quiet of the South Carolina Lowcountry, a recently canceled art critic seeks refuge with his husband. But exile to the South Carolina marshes unexpectedly offers one last chance at redemption - if the critic is willing to take down a nearly 100-year-old local art legend to do it.

  • The Ocean We Swim In will have its world premiere at PURE Theatre from April 16 to May 9, 2026.
  • Pay-What-You-Will performances will take place on April 16 and April 22, 2026.

The players

Brad Erickson

The local playwright who wrote The Ocean We Swim In.

Sharon Graci

The director of The Ocean We Swim In production at PURE Theatre.

Michael Smallwood

One of the actors featured in the production of The Ocean We Swim In.

Andrew Puckett

One of the actors featured in the production of The Ocean We Swim In.

Joy Vandervort-Cobb

One of the actors featured in the production of The Ocean We Swim In.

R.W. Smith

One of the actors featured in the production of The Ocean We Swim In.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled that The Ocean We Swim In is receiving its world premiere at PURE Theatre here in Charleston. The play is not only set in the Lowcountry, it is steeped in Lowcountry history and characters. PURE Theatre, with its long commitment to new work and expertise in bringing new plays to life, is the perfect company for this very personal play's first production.”

— Brad Erickson, Playwright

What’s next

Tickets for The Ocean We Swim In range from $47 to $53. Pay-What-You-Will performances will take place on April 16 and April 22, with tickets available for online purchase one week before opening. Student tickets are available for $15 for every performance. The production is also available through the Season 23 Flex Pass, offered in 3- or 5-ticket options that include flexible scheduling and additional perks. Tickets and Flex Passes are available now at puretheatre.org.

The takeaway

The world premiere of The Ocean We Swim In at PURE Theatre represents an exciting opportunity for Charleston audiences to experience a new play that is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Lowcountry region. The play's exploration of forgotten local artists and path to reconciliation promises to offer a thought-provoking and meaningful theatrical experience.