Transatlantic Love Affair to Debut New Work at Illusion Theater, 11/6-21

The acclaimed ensemble, Transatlantic Love Affair, brings another fresh story to the Illusion stage. Co-Artistic Director Isabel Nelson (Red Resurrected, Ballad of the Pale Fisherman, 2012 Ivey Award for Emotional Impact) returns to the director's seat for Emilie/Eurydice, inspired by the true story of Emilie Gossiaux and the Greek myth of Eurydice. The new work will be on stage November 6-21 at the downtown Minneapolis theater, located on the eighth floor of The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave.

Everything changed in an instant for Emilie, who fell into a coma after a catastrophic accident. In this story, TLA investigates enduring love and ambiguous loss in the modern world when loved ones must walk the line between impossible hope and inexorable grief - learning how to fight and how to let go.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the "veil," Emilie embarks on her own separate journey. And like Eurydice - who was banished to the Underworld - she must find her way back to the surface. Using the convention of a Greek chorus, TLA intersects Emilie's story with that of the mythological nymph and explores this netherworld.

Featuring a cast that specializes in imaginative, movement-based and collaboratively created theatrical storytelling, Emilie/Eurydice stars Heather Bunch, Joy Dolo, Alex Hathaway, Eric Marinus, Derek Lee Miller, Natalie Remus and Allison Witham. Music is composed and performed by Emily Dantuma.

TLA collaborated with Ivey Award-winning actor Sally Wingert on this piece for Wingert's 2014-15 McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship project. The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships at the Playwrights' Center recognize Minnesota theater artists other than playwrights whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic merit and potential. Emilie/Eurydice was presented as a work-in-progress this past summer at the Illusion.

Tickets for Emilie/Eurydice are $17-$25. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people. Tickets are available at the Illusion Theater Box Office at 612-339-4944 or online at www.illusiontheater.org.

Performance Schedule

Thursday, November 5 @ 8:00 pm - Preview ($10)

Friday, November 6 @ 8 pm - Opening

Saturday, November 7 @ 8 pm - ASL-interpreted performance

Sunday, November 8 @ 7pm - Audio-described performance

Thursday, November 12 @ 8 pm

Friday, November 13 @ 8 pm

Saturday, November 14 @ 8 pm

Sunday, November 15 @ 7 pm

Wednesday, November 18 @ 10am - Matinee

Thursday, November 19 @ 8 pm

Friday, November 20 @ 8 pm

Saturday, November 21 @ 8 pm - Closing

About Transatlantic Love Affair (TLA)

Headed by Co-Artistic Directors Isabel Nelson (2012 Ivey Award Emerging Artist) and Diogo Lopes, Transatlantic Love Affair is a physical theater ensemble and creators of original works Ballad of the Pale Fisherman (MN Fringe 2010; Illusion Theater 2012; Jon Hassler Theater 2012), Red Resurrected (MN Fringe 2011; Illusion Theater 2013), Ash Land (MN Fringe 2012), These Old Shoes (MN Fringe Festival 2013; Illusion Theater 2015) and 105 Proof, or The Killing of Mack "The Silencer" Klein (Fringe Festival 2015). TLA artists hail from backgrounds and trainings as varied as Live Action Set, Sandbox Theater, the Minnesota Shakespeare Company, the University of Minnesota B.F.A./Guthrie program, and the Lecoq-based London International School for Performing Arts (LISPA).

About Illusion Theater

Since the Illusion Theater's beginning in 1974, Producing Directors Michael Robins and Bonnie Morris have used the power of theater to catalyze personal and social change, illuminating the illusions, myths, and realities of our times. In 41 years, Illusion has generated over 500 plays, developed thousands of artists and created ground-breaking educational works. Plays developed at Illusion have been produced in theaters throughout the world. Illusion's work has catalyzed conversations in living rooms, kitchens, coffee houses, schools and board rooms, and has led to transformations in policy, in organizations and in individuals.