The Theatre School at DePaul University’s New Directors Series to Feature VENUS, 2/10-19

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents VENUS, by Suzan-Lori Parks, and directed by Reshmi Hazra, as the final production of the 2011-2012 New Directors Series. VENUS opens Friday, February 10, and runs through Sunday, February 19, 2012, at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Previews are on February 8 and February 9 at 7:30 PM.

In 1810 Sarah Baartman leaves her African home in search of respect, love, and “streets paved with gold.” Instead, she is exhibited in England as the sideshow act Venus Hottentot and is acclaimed for “having the biggest bottom in the world.” Based on a true story, Suzan-Lori Parks’ Venus asks if the doors of opportunity are truly open to all.

Admission is FREE but reservations are recommended. Call the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

New Directors Series productions are directed in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in Directing at The Theatre School. VENUS serves as Director Reshmi Hazra’s MFA thesis project, after three years of production practice and training in order to fulfill her degree requirements. “I want to create art to unite people that may never have known each other,” asserts Hazra, “stories of people that have been hidden and stuffed away throughout history.” Through the creative process of working on VENUS, Hazra has deepened her interest in comedic tragedies, and continued her exploration of physical storytelling. To learn more about Hazra’s past projects, The New Directors Series, or the MFA Directing curriculum, please visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu.

The Greenhouse Theater Center is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago. The theatre is accessible via public transportation, and street parking is available. For more information please contact the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

RESHMI HAZRA (Director): has her BFA in Drama from NYU. Her previous Theatre School productions include NORMAL by Anthony Neilson, THE UNDERPANTS by Steve Martin, and INKY by Rinne Groff. Other credits include MONSTER by Neal Bell, MUD by Maria Irene Fornes, and WHAT WILL I DO WHEN YOU’RE GONE? by Neal Bell. She has also developed numerous new plays in the form of readings and productions.

The cast features Ruben Adorno (Chorus), Mike Foster (Chorus), Sonaz Izadi (Chorus, the Bride-to-Be), Katherine Kerman (Chorus, the Mother), Josh Moaney (The Negro Resurrectionist), Manny Ortiz (Chorus, the Uncle), Matthew Sherrill (Chorus, the Young Man), Noah Simon (The Man, later The Baron Docteur), Kelly Sloan (Miss Saartjie Baartman, a.k.a. The Girl and later The Venus Hottentot), Eric Staves (Chorus, the Father), and Lisandra Tena (The Mans Brother, later The Mother-Showman, later The Grade-School Chum).

The production staff includes Reshmi Hazra (Director), Karly Bergmann (Dramaturg), Nick Sandys (Violence Designer), Phil Timberlake (Vocal Coach), Ingrid Larson (Scenic Designer), Holly Haupert (Costume Designer), Joe Watrach (Lighting Designer), Mikey Moran (Sound Designer), and Sarah Geis (Stage Manager).

An Opening Night Party will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012, following the performance. A post-show discussion with dramaturg Karly Bergmann will be held on Sunday, February 12 (2 PM) and Thursday, February 16, 2012 (7:30 PM). Contact the Box Office for details and more information.