CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Virginia Theatre Festival announced Tuesday that their third and final production for 2026, “Frida… A Self Portrait” has been cancelled due to “unexpected challenges in production planning and preparation,” according to a statement.

Performances were slated for July 23-26 at the University of Virginia’s Ruth Caplin Theatre.

In statements shared on Instagram and the VTF’s website, the organization said “the artists and creative team of Frida are in no way responsible; they were fully prepared, professional, and ready to perform in Charlottesville. We are sorry that we are unable to open the show as planned.”

The one-person show is written and performed by Brazilian writer and actor Vanessa Severo, who portrays famous artist Frida Kahlo at the eve of her death.

The VTF’s statement also redirected audiences to see the show at Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C., where it will be playing this fall.

All ticketholders will receive a full refund and box office staff will contact ticketholders between July 20-24 to do so. Questions can be directed to the UVA Arts Box Office.

This marks the conclusion of the VTF’s 2026 season, with performances of Ken Ludwig’s “Moriarty” and Disney’s “Newsies” having concluded earlier in the summer.