New World Repertory Theater Presents PHEDRA 11/13

Robert David MacDonald's translation captures the dramatic beauty and power of Racine's original French poetry. Based on ancient myths, the tragedy examines how love and unabated passions can destroy us all. "Phèdra" is cursed by the gods to love her step-son, Hippolytus, who hides a secret love affair of his own. Emotional, turbulent and sexy, Phèdra is a mythical soap opera for the contemporary audience. Directed by theater movement specialist Alison Henderson, the production will be based on movement theorist Rudolf Laban's movement analysis. Henderson explained, "Laban did not create a movement technique, rather he created a universal language of movement which provides artists with the tools of creation. In this production, we are exploring how Laban's tools can be utilized to create a thrilling theatrical experience for both the actor and audience." The play runs about two hours with one intermission.

"Phèdra" opens Friday, November 13, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. (reception preceding)
Closes Saturday, December 5
Runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Previews November 6, November 7, and November 8 at 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: 630-663-1489, www.newworldrep.org

$20 for adults on Friday and Saturday nights
$15 for previews, Sunday matinees, and seniors/students (with ID)
$12 for each ticket in groups of ten or more

All shows will be performed at New World Repertory Theater (NWRT), 923 Curtiss St. in
Downers Grove, IL (handicapped accessible with chair lift), with street and lot parking availability. The Metra line from downtown Chicago is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Suburban Chicago to Aurora (Main St. Downers Grove stop).

CAST: BrIan Barber (Hippolytus), Maggie Clennon-Reberg (Oenone), JarEd Graham (Theseus), Stephanie Limesand (Aricia), Cortney McKenna (Phèdra), Sarah Pinkham (Venus), and Sean Wesslund (Theramenes).

STAFF: Alison Henderson (Director), and Rocco Renda (Assistant Director).

"New Words," free readings on Friday, October 9, and Saturday October 10, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. Staged readings of original new plays by local and national playwrights will be presented by NWRT actors and directors, as well as guest artists, and include audience feedback sessions.

NWRT's Family Theater Series presents "Spooky Tales" on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. - tickets are $5 at 630-663-1489 and www.newworldrep.org A hauntingly delightful, audience interactive performance by NWRT's Youth Ensemble; just creepy and spine-tingling enough for younger audience members who aren't quite ready for a true haunted house - good for ages 2 to 12 and their families.