The Theatre School Showcase Presents ELECTRICIDAD, Runs 4/16-25

The Theatre School at DePaul University's Showcase Series of Contemporary Plays and Classics presents ELECTRICIDAD, by Luis Alfaro and directed by Lisa Portes. This searing retelling of a Greek classic opens Friday, April 16, and runs through Sunday, April 25, 2010 at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Previews are on April 14 and 15 at 7:30 PM.

Luis Alfaro transforms Sophocles' ELEKTRA into a passionate, powerful tale of the revenge cycle in gang culture. Electricidad mourns the murder of her father, an East L.A. gang king-pin, and vows revenge. In her determination, she pulls her brother, Orestes - a young man who managed to leave "the life" - back to commit the most tragic of crimes. At once violent and vibrant, ELECTRICIDAD taps into the beauty, color and ruthlessness of this abandoned desert barrio.

Tickets are $15. Subscriptions and group rates (6 or more people) are available at (312)-922-0999. Seniors (over 60), DePaul employees and alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Previews are FREE for any college student (with ID). Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan, Chicago. There are several parking lots near the theatre, and the theatre is also accessible via numerous CTA bus and train routes. Please call the Box Office for more information, directions, and suggestions to help plan your trip.

Lisa Portes (Director) heads the MFA Directing Program at The Theatre School at DePaul University where she also serves as Artistic Director for Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences. Recent credits include the world premieres of GLOSTWRITTEN at Goodman Theatre and AFTER A HUNDRED YEARS at Guthrie Theatre both by Naomi Iizuka. Other Chicago credits include SPARE CHANGE by Mia McCullough at Steppenwolf's First Look Series, ELLIOT, A SOLDIERS FUGUE by Quiara Hudes with Teatro Vista and Rivendell Ensemble at the Steppenwolf Garage, Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons at Northlight Theatre and, at Next Theatre, both FAR AWAY by Caryl Churchill and IN THE BLOOD by Suzan-Lori Parks. New York credits include WILDER by Erin Cressida Wilson and THE RED CLAY RAMBLERS at Playwrights Horizons, HURRICANE by Erin Wilson and FUR by Migdalia Cruz at Soho Rep and numerous readings and workshops of new work at New York Theatre Workshop, The Public Theatre, the Flea Theatre, Cherry Lane Alternative, and New Dramatists.

The cast of ELECTRICIDAD features Derek Gaspar (Nino), Erica Ikeda (La Carmen), Shannon Matesky (Ifigenia), Gabi Mayorga (Electricidad), Felicia Oates (La Cuca), Michael Olavson (Orestes), Kelsey Peterson (La Connie), Lauren Pizzi (Abuela), and Simone Olsen-Varela (Clemencia).

The production staff includes Lisa Portes (Director), Elizabeth Patterson (Lighting Design), AJ Tarzian (Scenic Design), Elizabeth Jane Grove (Dramaturg), Nan Cibula-Jenkins (Costume Design), Andre Pluess (Sound Design), and Jillian Anderson (Stage Management).

SPECIAL EVENTS: An Opening Night Party will be held after the performance on April 16. A post-show discussion with the cast and members of the production staff will be held on Sunday, April 18. The performance on Sunday, April 25 (2 PM) will be interpreted in American Sign Language. TYY call (773) 325-7975. On DePaul Night, April 21, tickets are $3 for all students and $6 for DePaul alumni and employees with valid ID.

For details, photos, or more information visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu