American Premiere of Polly Teale's 'Bronte'

How is it possible that three Victorian spinsters, living in isolation on the Yorkshire moors, could have written some of the most powerful and passionate fiction of all time? This extraordinary play by Polly Teale evokes both the real and fantasy worlds of the Brontës, as the sisters' austere surroundings give way to the boundless power of imagination.

Brontë features Artistic Associates Gregory Anderson and Linda Gillum.  The cast also includes guest artists Patrick Clear, Carrie Coon (as Emily Brontë), Susan Shunk (as Charlotte Brontë), and Rachel Sondag (as Anne Brontë).

Artistic Director James Bohnen will direct Brontë as well as a companion piece, On the Verge, or the Geography of Yearning, by Eric Overmyer, which runs May 15 through June 1, 2008. "Both Brontё and On the Verge explore the lives of audacious and extraordinary women whose imaginations soar above the restrictions of Victorian society."

The Brontë design team includes Set Designer Tim Morrison, Costume Designer Judith Lundberg, Lighting Designer Richard Norwood, Sound Designer Lindsay Jones and Prop Master Ross Moreno. 

The world premiere of Brontë was presented by Shared Experience in England and directed by the playwright. Shared Experience's mission is to celebrate the connection between actors and audiences by creating a visceral "shared experience." Brontё offers a unique theatrical style indicative of Shared Experience. Uniting both physical and text-based theatre, Brontё gives theatrical form to emotion and imagination. Audiences see the actresses transform into the sisters onstage, and fictional characters from the famous novels intrude on the action.  

This is Polly Teale's third play in a trilogy exploring Charlotte Brontë and her literature. She is also the playwright and director of Shared Experience's acclaimed productions of Jane Eyre and After Mrs. Rochester, for which she won the Evening Standard Award for Best Director and a Time Out Award for Best Production.

Single tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.remybumppo.org or through the Victory Gardens box office at 773-871-3000.  Purchase tickets for both Brontë and On the Verge together for the special rate of $50 for Wednesday and Thursday nights and $60 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances.  For group rates and reservations contact GroupTix at 877-4-GRP-TIX (877-447-7849).  

Ticket prices for the regular run are $35–$40. For tickets and more information, call the Victory Gardens Greenhouse box office at 773-871-3000 or visit www.remybumppo.org. Special rates for students and seniors.  2-Play Brontë and On the Verge Passports
(includes one ticket to each production)  Wed/Thu Evening – $50,  Fri/Sat/Sun – $60.

Brontë runs March 20th Through May 4th on the Upstairs Mainstage of the Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Previews March 20-23; Opening/Press Night March 24.

 

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