In the Elevator - A solo play by Otar Pertakhia

07/29/2026

We’re delighted to share a feature by one of Georgia’s leading independent media outlets about the remarkable journey of playwright Otar Pertakhia and his play “In the Elevator”—from its first publication in 2000 to its award-winning 2025 Off-Broadway production at the United Solo Festival at Theatre Row in New York, starring Ika (Irakli) Gogoladze.

As Otar Pertakhia reflects in the article:

“At the heart of the play lies one central question: Is the elevator truly stuck—or is the man inside it? Why do we so often become the invisible walls that prevent us from moving forward?”

📝 Written by Ia Merkviladze for Netgazeti

If you’ve seen the show, this article offers the story behind it. If you haven’t, it may inspire you to discover it.

The article is in Georgian, but most browsers and translation tools can translate it instantly.

🔗 Read here:

ნიუ იორკის Theatre Row-ის სცენაზე, რომელიც 1977 წელს მანჰეტენის 42-ე ქუჩის თეატრალურ სივრცედ ჩამოყალიბდა და კრიზისული უბნიდ....

07/15/2026

We’re honored to share this wonderful news!

New York–based playwright Otar Pertakhia and his independent theatre company, Otar Pertakhia Theatre Works, whose projects include his award-winning Off-Broadway solo play In the Elevator, have been featured by Fractured Atlas in their latest blog article, “Where Abundance Lives.”

The article highlights fiscally sponsored artists from across the United States and explores where they find abundance, inspiration, and purpose in their creative journeys.

We are truly honored to be featured alongside so many inspiring artists.

❤️ Thank you, Fractured Atlas, for your continued support and for sharing our story.

📍 Read the full article here:
https://blog.fracturedatlas.org/where-abundance-lives-%EF%B8%8F

Click on the New York pin, then select Otar Pertakhia to read the featured reflection and explore Otar Pertakhia Theatre Works.

Fractured Atlas members across the US share what abundance means to them, in their own words, from their own lives and creative practices.

04/27/2026

🎭 “In the Elevator” is an award-winning, critically acclaimed independent solo play exploring identity, isolation, and human connection.

Trapped in a broken elevator, a man spirals through memory, shame, humor, and protest. Written by New York–based Georgian-born playwright Otar Pertakhia and performed in English by Georgian actor Ika Gogoladze, this razor-sharp dark comedy is an intimate and unforgettable journey through isolation and identity.

Presented Off-Broadway at Theatre Row as part of the United Solo Festival, the production received the Best Drama Award.

One man. One elevator. Where is the exit?

For those who have asked how to support the project, you can make a tax-deductible contribution through our fiscal sponsor, Fractured Atlas.

https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/in-the-elevator-a-solo-play-by-otar-pertakhia

Every contribution helps bring future performances to life.

Thank you for supporting independent theatre.

One man. One elevator. Where is the exit?

04/13/2026

“In the Elevator” — Off-Broadway, Theatre Row.
Winner of the Best Drama Award at United Solo 2025.
Currently exploring opportunities for a return engagement in NYC.

Photo: Eva Kapanadze

03/14/2026

In the Elevator — performance excerpt (4 min)
United Solo Theatre Festival | Theatre Row, New York Theatre Row

A short excerpt from the award-winning solo performance In the Elevator.

This video presents selected moments from the production and does not include the full final scene.

The performance was presented Off-Broadway at the United Solo Theatre Festival United Solo in New York and received the Best Drama Award.

Written & directed by Otar Pertakhia
Performed by Ika Gogoladze

01/25/2026

From Matthew D. Foster’s review

01/19/2026

Happy Birthday to our remarkable performer, Ika Gogoladze! 🎉🎭

Thank you for bringing In the Elevator to life with such power, discipline, and truth on stage.
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead — full of inspiration, new roles, and creative victories! ✨

📸 Pictured: Actor Ika Gogoladze and playwright Otar Pertakhia
Photo credit: Dan Lane Williams

01/13/2026

Playwright Otar Pertakhia with United Solo Theatre Festival founder Omar Sangare at the United Solo Awards Ceremony (Theatre Row, NYC, 2025).
“In the Elevator” — Best Drama Award 🏆
Photo credit: Dan Lane Williams.

12/30/2025

As 2025 comes to an end, we want to pause and say thank you.

In the Elevator had a remarkable year — Off-Broadway, the United Solo Theatre Festival, Best-Selling Show status, the honor of receiving the Best Drama Award, and strong critical reviews.

This journey was shaped by the audience who listened, stayed, and cared.

Thank you for being with us, and wishing all our supporters a wonderful, creative year ahead.
Happy New Year!❤️

12/28/2025