Photo Flash: First Look at Bailiwick Chicago's MAHAL, Running thru Aug 2

Bailiwick Chicago Theater concludes its 2012/13 season with the world premiere of the family drama MAHAL by Resident Playwright Danny Bernardo, directed by Erica Weiss, playing June 26 - August 2, 2013 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. The cast of MAHAL includes F. Karmann Bajuyo, Patrick Byrnes, Joseph Anthony Foronda, Collective Member Kate Garassino, Jillian Jocson, Kevin Matthew Reyes and Blair Robertson. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

MAHAL is a new play about how one Filipino American family redefines itself after loss and reclaims their culture. One of the first plays about a Filipino American family, MAHAL centers on the Reyes family dealing with the loss of their matriarch. As new relationships blossom and family bonds are tested, a long forgotten secret from the homeland threatens to tear the family apart. Dealing with themes of cultural identity, assimilation, homophobia, interracial and inter-generational relationships, MAHAL examines what it truly means to be an American family.

"At its core, Mahal is a family story that all audiences will be able to relate to, laugh at and be touched by," comments Bailiwick Chicago Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown. "We all appreciate the quirks and treasures of 'family,' and Resident Playwright Danny Bernardo understands the need for powerful dialogue with a refreshing flair for creating the dramatic, comedic and poignant moments that surround the family dynamic. We are truly excited to be presenting an insightful new work by a Filipino American artist that features true-heritage casting. Audiences will leave feeling like they know a little bit more about a culture that's not represented on stage very often, and to us that is one of the most powerful aspects of this piece," adds Brown.

The production team for MAHAL includes Stephen H. Carmody (Scenic Designer), Christine Pascual (Costume Designer), Charles Cooper (Lighting Designer), Christopher Kriz (Sound Designer), Christopher Kristant (Technical Director), Mallory Bass (Stage Manager), Ezra Bookman (Assistant Director/Dramaturg) and Melissa Young & Geoffrey Bleeker (Associate Producers).

Tickets: Previews: $25. Regular run: $35 ($30 groups of 10 or more). Tickets are available at www.stage773.com, in person at the Stage 773 Box Office or by calling (773) 327-5252.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow