Upcoming events...
A piece that I helped write will be presented in July as part of City Lit's Art of Adaptation. ! was conceived by fellow LiveWire Collective member Chris Zdenek and is inspired by the Metal Gear Solid series of video games. Each round, HERO must use stealth maneuvers to capture GUARD. If successful, he will unlock rewards for the audience, but if he fails a penalty will be felt by everyone. ! is an examination of the forces that shape our society. Check it out July 9 & 10
Zdenek and I will also be developing a new play based on a story I've been working on for a while. We'll be workshopping the piece in August at the University of Chicago's Summer Inc program. The Not King is an absurd comedy about the royalization of celebrity in America. King tells the story of a would-be king and his bride who are banished from their land and their journey back to the crown. Part Godfather, part Bananas, part Ubu Roi, part Hamlet, part TMZ and part Muppet Show, King is a mixed media production that deconstructs the idea of fame, questioning our responsibility in its creation and levity. There will be a special performance on Friday, August 12th. Check back soon for more info.
In the fall, I'll be directing A Bright New Boise by 2011 Obie Award-winning Playwright Samuel D. Hunter for LiveWire. Boise tells the story of an estranged father's attempt to reconnect with his son in the breakroom of a Hobby Lobby where they both work. Time Out Chicago New York gave the world premiere production 5 out of 5 stars and raved, "This clear-eyed comedy will lift your heart." Boise received 3 Drama Desk nominations, including one for Outstanding Play. We're excited to be presenting the Chicago premiere. More info to come on LiveWire's website
More on the horizon...