A Red Orchid Extends THE ILIAD Thru 1/2/2011

A Red Orchid Theatre Artistic Director Kirsten Fitzgerald announces the extension of Craig Wright's world premiere adaptation of Homer's The Iliad, adapted from translations by Robert Fagles and Ian Strachan and directed by StEve Wilson. The hit production, featuring the young women of the AROT Youth Ensemble, now runs through January 2, 2011, at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells. The extension will include special New Years Eve and New Years Day performances featuring a post-show champagne and sparkling cider toast with the cast.

Adapted by Craig Wright specifically for our young, all-female cast, this version of The Iliad offers a provocative and playful new spin on Homer's age-old tale of the Trojan War. Vengeance, loyalty, or honor: which is most important? And, in this saga of bloody battles and huge male egos, where exactly do women and children fit in? Packed with swordplay, gender politics, and even a few songs, this is one war you don't want to miss.

The Iliad features A Red Orchid Youth Ensemble Members Najwa Brown, Jaiden Fallo Sauter, Katie Jordan, Paola Lehman, Melanie Neilan, Kara Ryan, and Elenna Sindler.

Title: The Iliad
Directed by: StEve Wilson
Adapted by: Craig Wright, from Robert Fagles' and Ian Strachan's translations
Dates: Extended through January 2, 2011

Holiday
Schedule: Sunday, December 26 at 3p.m. & 5p.m.
Wednesday, December 29 at 7p.m.
Thursday, December 30 at 7p.m.
Friday, December 31 at 7p.m.
Saturday, January 1 at 7p.m.
Sunday, January 2 at 3p.m.
Note: no performance on Saturday, December 25

Regular
Schedule: Thurs: 8:00 p.m.
Fri: 8:00 p.m.
Sat: 8:00 p.m.
Sun: 3:00 p.m.
Location: A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells Ave.
Tickets: $15 previews, $25-$30 regular run. ($25 Thurs, $30 Fri-Sun)
Box Office: Located at 1531 N. Wells Ave, Chicago, (312) 943-8722; or online www.aredorchidtheatre.org

About A Red Orchid
Since 1993 A Red Orchid Theatre has been an artistic mainstay of the Chicago theatre community; known and praised for its powerful ensemble, creative design and its gripping, intimate productions. The resident Ensemble maintains the conviction that passionately committed theatre will draw passionately committed audiences, and the 2009-2010 subscription season promises to bring Ensemble and audience even closer together.
A Red Orchid Theatre is: Lance Baker, Dado, Jennifer Engstrom, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Joseph Fosco, Steve Haggard, Mierka Girten, Larry Grimm, Karen Kawa, Karen Kessler, Danny McCarthy, Brett Neveu, Michael Shannon, Guy Van Swearingen, Doug Vickers, Tiffany Wilson and Craig Wright.