THE MAIDS Extends One Week at The Artistic Home

The Artistic Home's summer late night production of Jean Genet's THE MAIDS has been extended one week - adding performances Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22. Genet's subversive drama in which two maids fantasize killing their mistress was inspired by a real-life murder committed by two sisters working as maids who killed their employer and her daughter. In the play, the maids construct elaborate sadomasochistic rituals when their mistress (Madame) is away. The focus of their role-playing is the murder of Madame and they take turns portraying both sides of the power divide.

The Artistic Home's production, directed by Michael Conroy, is performed with drag artists Patience Darling and Hinkypunk as the maids Claire and Solange. Artistic Home ensemble member Brookelyn Hébert has the role of the play's third character, Madame. The play, Genet's most popular, premiered in 1947 and has been performed continually ever since on several continents and in many languages. Conroy says, "we will respond to the play's history of gender nonconforming casting by embracing its latent queer themes and honoring Genet's gay identity and activism."

The production is playing at The Artistic Home's theatre at 1376 W. Grand Avenue through Saturday, July 21. Tickets can be ordered by phone at 866-811-4111 or online at www.theartistichome.org

The Artistic Home is noted for their innovative and intimate presentations of rarely-produced classics as well developing new works. Audiences may know The Artistic Home best from its current production of HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE 2017's WEDDING BAND, BY THE BOG OF CATS and THE SCHOOL FOR LIES, their Jeff-nominated productions of THE SEAGULL, WATCH ON THE RHINE, MACBETH and THE LATE HENRY MOSS; or their 2013 Jeff Award-winner THE GODDESS. Other Artistic Home productions include the Jeff-Award-winning production of JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK, which also received three After Dark Awards, the Jeff-Nominated SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, THE TALLEST MAN, LANDSCAPE OF THE BODY, NATURAL AFFECTION, FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS, AFTER THE FALL and PEER GYNT (which also received an After Dark award for Direction).

For more than 19 years, The Artistic Home has consistently produced compelling theatre in Chicago. First formed in 1998 with the belief that the actor is at the heart of great theater, the company strives to give birth to unforgettable moments; to touch audiences who are increasingly distanced from human contact; to readdress the classics and explore new works with passion.

Photo: Hinkypunk, Patience Darling, Brookelyn Hebert. Photo by Joe Mazza, BraveLux.