History is an origin story. This season, we’re looking at origin stories, both personal and political.

We start in September with the musical Fun Home, based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir about coming out and her family. How did Alison become who she is? The show looks back at Alison’s life as a child and as a college student to understand her relationship with her closeted gay father and what is at stake when we don’t allow people to live authentically.

In November, we look at Russian history to understand the origins of the current Russian propaganda machine. How did a former KGB agent become one of the most powerful men in contemporary history? A villain’s origin story tells us a lot about who we are.

In March, we look at the origin story of one German who considers himself to be a good man, but who ultimately aligns himself with the Nazis. How does someone whose best friend is Jewish betray that friendship to advise the Nazis how to efficiently exterminate their enemies?