Meet Washington’s newest residents: Sydney, a wealthy soap opera star in love with Ethan, an activist who condemns her money and lifestyle while freely helping himself to both. Her brother Ronald is a social worker who bears the guilt of a wealthy upbringing. Lance is a street-hustling junkie, and last but not least there’s Cybil, a “political lesbian” with problematic memory lapses.

Nicky Silver’s satire “The Altruists,” presented by the Catalyst Theater Co., showcases a morally bereft band of young radicals whose personal motives consistently undermine their altruism. The explosion of “hilarity and hypocrisy” directed by Christopher Janson begins at 7:30 p.m. today with “pay-what-you-can” preview nights at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Performances will continue every Thursday through Saturday until June 19.

The show first opened to a New York audience in 2000, and critics have since called the off-Broadway play “hysterical … “The Altruists revels in political incorrectness” (New York Daily News) and “extravagantly amusing” (New York Newsday).

The Altruists will end the up-and-coming CTC’s third season.

The Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. shows range from $25 for adults to $15 for students, and Saturday’s 2 p.m. matinee is $20 and $10, respectively.

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and the Catalyst Theater Co. is located on 545 Seventh St. SE. Tickets are available at (800) 494-TIXS or online at www.catalysttheater.com.