Circle Theatre to Host New Works Festival, 8/10-11

On the heels of Jeff Award success with Best Play winner When the Rain Stops Falling, Circle Theatre and Stage 773 are hosting a festival of New Works first time being heard in Chicago on August 10th and 11th.

Circle Theatre, in association with Stage 773, will be producing five staged readings of new works from some exciting new playwrights and some of Chicago's favorite playwrights. The festival will open on August 10th with Echo by Barbara Lhota at 2:00 PM, then continue with The Dog(Run) Diaries by Andrew Kramer at 5:00 PM and Deb and Debra by Jon Steinhagen at 8:00 PM. On Sunday, August 11th, the plays featured will be Abstract Nude by Gwydion Suilebhan at 2:00 PM and The Imaginist by Rhys Lovell at 5:00 PM. All readings will be performed in Stage 773's intimate space, The Box. Admission is $10 for single show ticket or a festival pass for $25. Visit www.stage773.com for ticket details and more information.

Echo by Barbara Lhota - directed by Steve Greist

A Chicago family believes they are witnessing a miracle: after years of failed therapies, their autistic daughter (Abby), who only speaks through echolalia, is "communicating" using a promising new method that requires a facilitator and letters on a keyboard. It isn't long before the miracle becomes a nightmare when the messages she types include shocking accusations. The family is forced to choose: either Abby is an intelligent young woman communicating something unthinkable, or this therapy is a sham and every "I love you" Abby has typed was nothing but an illusion. Through realistic scenes and scrim video images that render the autistic daughter's perspective, Echo examines the complex dynamics of a family at their inevitable boiling point, a family ripped apart due to the ongoing, increasing pressures of hope.

The Dog(run) Diaries by Andrew Kramer - directed by Tommy Bullington

A dark-comedy about a young boy's intellectual, emotional and sexual pursuit of his older (and resistant) next-door neighbor. Filled with talking dead sisters, canine-imaginary friends, and summertime blizzards, the play is a post-modern examination on the limits of sexual agency and our preconceived notions of the "predator" and "victim" roles.

Deb and Debra by Jon Steinhagen - directed by Greg Payne

Deb and Debra is a witty and insightful look at mid-life. It is a relevant chapter two for the Ghost World generation. Written by the Jeff Award winning Jon Steinhagen this staged reading will be certain to entertain both the young and young at heart.

Abstract Nude by Gwydion Suilebhan - directed by Bobby Arnold and Melody Latham

Abstract Nude explores the intrigue of perspective through the eyes of seven characters, each of whom discuss the effect one piece of art can have on each other and themselves. Ideas of sexuality are paired against modesty, love against lust and freedom against control. Playwright Gwydion Suilebhan truly tests the strengths of even the most ideal relationships as each person utilizes their perspectives (and perspectives of others) to evaluate what they think is success, failure and stability within their lives.

The Imaginist by Rhys Lovell - directed by Nicholas Reinhart

The desperate pursuit of truth, vengeance, and nationalism come to a head in Rhys Lovell's new play, The Imaginist. Paul Vale is a noted theorist and author, specializing in the psychological behavior of terrorists. When Paul meets the beautiful and intelligent Mira Ascher, their collaboration begins to take a romantic turn. Unbeknownst to Paul, Mira may have more than just a passing acquaintance with a homegrown terrorist who is planning to make a huge impact on the city of Chicago. With the FBI closing in, Paul must decide whether he will aide his country, or the woman he loves.

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