Signal Ensemble Theatre to Stage U.S Premiere of Nicolas Billon's BUTCHER

Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the United States premiere of Butcher by Nicolas Billon and directed by Signal Ensemble Member Bries Vannon at Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., September 17 - October 24. Previews are Thursday, Sept.17 and Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. Opening/Press night is Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.Regular performances are Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $23 for single tickets, $15 for industry/students/seniors/groups and $12 for previews. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.698.7389 or by visiting www.signalensemble.com.

On Christmas Eve, an old man in a military uniform and a Santa hat is dumped at the front door of a police station. Around his neck hangs a meat hook with a simple note attached: "arrest me."

As the night progresses, a lawyer, a police officer and a translator find themselves deep in a snare of secrets, lies and sins buried but not forgotten. Fresh off its critically acclaimed premiere at Alberta Theatre Projects, Nicolas Billon's taut thriller confronts with questions of justice, revenge and humanity's darkest capacities.

The cast and production team for Butcher includes: Todd Frugia (Inspector Lamb), Vincent Lonergan* (Josef Dzibrilovo), Simone Roos* (Elena), Joseph Stearns* (Hamilton Barnes), and Lauren Viteri (Young Girl).

Nicolas Billon's work has been produced in Toronto, Stratford, New York and Paris. His triptych Fault Lines garnered the 2013 Governor-General's Award for Drama. He recently adapted his first play, The Elephant Song, into a feature film starring Bruce Greenwood, Xavier Dolan, Carrie-Anne Moss and Catherine Keener.

Bries Vannon is in his sixth year as an ensemble member at Signal Ensemble Theatre, where he serves as the company's literary manager. Previously, he directed Signal's Plainsong and Princes of Waco and served as assistant director onHostage Song and The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie. As a performer he has been seen in Red Bud, Successors, Motion,Aftermath, Ballad of the Sad Cafe, Hamlet, and She Stoops to Conquer. Vannon is also the creator and director of The Nine, an independent project focusing on free experimental performance. Vannon has also worked as an actor/director with Mary-Arrchie Theatre, The Right Brain Project, the side project, The Building Stage,and WNEP Theater.

Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the United States premiere of Butcher by Nicolas Billon and directed by SignalEnsemble Member Bries Vannon at Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., September 17 - October 24. Previews are Thursday, Sept.17 and Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. Opening/Press night is Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.Regular performances are Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. There is no Sunday, Sept. 20 matinee performance. Ticket prices are $23 for single tickets, $15 for industry/students/seniors/groups and $12 for previews. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.698.7389 or by visiting www.signalensemble.com.