Premiere Theatre & Performance Announces Sixth Season of New Work

Premiere Theatre & Performance (PTAP), entering its sixth season, begins its most ambitious series of new works and new partnerships to date.

Premiere's unique mission is to present director-driven new plays and original performance. In its first five seasons, PTAP presented eight original pieces and productions based on new translations commissioned for performance by the company.

The company has announced a formal move of production and administrative offices to Logan Square, and is working to secure a permanent performance venue within the next two years. "We had begun this move about two years ago, and our five year plan has been to take residence in this amazing neighborhood", said Artistic Director Patrizia Acerra.  During this time, PTAP will be producing at Prop Theatre, The Theatre Building and Strawdog Theatre.

In late October, Premiere, in association with Moving Dock Theatre Company, will bring back last season's very successful production of THE QUILTMAKER'S GIFT for matinee performances. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Theatre Building Chicago, and tickets are available for groups only. To reserve group tickets to a performance, please call 773.250.7055. This 50 minute, movement-driven production is based on the bestselling book by Jeff Brumbeau of the same name. Actress Cindy Henkin returns to this production as the Quiltmaker.

In October, Premiere will open the American premiere of SEVEN DOORS / SEIBEN TUREN, an original translation of the play by highly acclaimed German playwright Botho Strauss, directed by Patrizia Acerra. The translation was commissioned by Premiere in collaboration with the late Peter K. Jansen, Professor Emeritus of the University of Chicago. This production is sponsored by the Goethe Institute of Chicago.  Previews will take place Wednesday, October 1st at 8PM, Thursday October 2nd at 8PM and Saturday October 4th at 1PM and 4PM. Opening is scheduled for Sunday October 5th at 7PM.  Performances run Wednesday at 8PM, Thursday at 8PM and Sunday at 7PM, through November 2nd. Performances take place at Prop Theatre, 3502 N. Elston Avenue in Logan Square. Tickets are $15-$20, and can be purchase online at www.ptapchicago.org or at the door. Matinee performances are being scheduled by request.

 In November, PTAP, in their second production with Vitalist Theatre, presents ANUNG'S FIRST AMERICAN CHRISTMAS, directed by Elizabeth Carlin-Metz and adapted for the stage by Robin Metz from the novella by Carl Nordgren (as told to him by former Tribal Council Chief Steve Fobister (Baminowekapo) of the Keewatin Ojibway, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada).  Press Opening is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at 7:00 P.M., Theatre Building Chicago. ANUNG'S FIRST AMERICAN CHRISTMAS will run through Sunday, January 4, 2009.

Based on the work of novelist Carl Nordgren, former hunting/fishing guide in the Ojibway Grassy Narrows region, the stage adaptation is written by poet Robin Metz, winner of the Rilke International Poetry Prize and recent American Poet-in-Residence in India and Nepal. Anung's First American Christmas, is supported by the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, St. Ignace, MI.  Joining Vitalist's gifted ensemble and renowned company designers for this exceptional production are puppet master/designer Tracy Otwell (2007 Jeff Award) and percussion master W. Carson Hooley.

Show Times are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.  Saturday matinees will be offered November 29, December 27, and January 3 at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors and students; $12 for children 12 and under.  For information and reservations please call Theatre Building Chicago Box Office: 773-327-5252.  Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Group Sales, 347-804-6509.

In January, PTAP will embark on its first artistic collaboration with Rasaka Theatre, in a production of  YONI KI BAAT directed by Lavina Jadhwani at Strawdog Theatre. Inspired by The Vagina Monologues, YONI KI BAAT is an exploration of what it means to be a woman in South Asian culture. By combining spoken word, music and dance, Rasaka Theatre Company presents an exploration of the ultimate forbidden zone, with a uniquely desi twist. Performances will take place at January 2-February 1, 2009, Thursday-Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 7 PM. Opening night performance is Sunday January 4 at 7 pm. More details on this project at a later date.

This spring, Premiere will launch the first INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL.  Five companies from across Chicago have been invited to work on new plays by international playwrights.  Workshop performances, from each company in repertory, are being scheduled for March.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ptapchicago.org.

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