THE PILLOWMAN Comes To The Theatre School At DePaul Univ's New Directors Series, Opens 11/6

The Theatre School at DePaul University's New Directors Series Presents Jenn BeVard's Production of THE PILLOWMAN by Martin McDonagh

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents THE PILLOWMAN, written by Martin McDonagh and directed by Jenn BeVard, as the first installment of the 2009-2010 New Directors Series. The production opens Friday, November 6, and runs through Sunday, November 15, 2009, at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Previews are on November 4 and November 5 at 7:30 PM.

This new award-winning dark comedy centers on a writer, his stories, and the disturbed inspirations lurking within them. When arrested and questioned for his violent imaginings by agents of a totalitarian state, Katurian's resolve is strengthened in a Kafka-esque quest for justice. In tackling this disquieting tale, director BeVard seeks the truth behind motive and the legacy of the written word.

Admission is FREE but reservations are recommended. Call the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

New Directors Series productions are directed in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in Directing at The Theatre School. THE PILLOWMAN serves as Director Jenn BeVard's MFA thesis project, after three years of production practice and training in order to fulfill her degree requirements. To learn more about BeVard's past projects, The New Directors Series, or the MFA Directing curriculum, please visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu.

The Greenhouse Theater Center is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago. The theatre is accessible via public transportation, and street parking is available. For more information please contact the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

JENN BEVARD (Director) is in the third year of the MFA Directing program at The Theatre School at DePaul University. While at DePaul, Jenn directed THE CONDUCT OF LIFE by Maria Irene Fornes, WAITING FOR LEFTY by Clifford Odets, GHOSTS by Henrik Ibsen, and THE LOVER by Harold Pinter.
She also directed a reading of Carlos Murillo's new play A THICK DESCRIPTION OF Harry Smith. Prior to coming to DePaul, Jenn lived in the California Bay Area where she taught and directed Shakespeare with prisoners at San Quentin State Penitentiary. Jenn attended undergrad at Santa Clara University where she studied theatre and dance.

The cast features David Dvorkin (Father), James Gasber (Ariel), Derek Gaspar (Katurian), Kaitlyn Griggs (Gorl/Boy), Kelsey Jorissen (Mother), and Michael Olavson (Michal).

The staff includes Jenn BeVard (Director), Sally LaRowe (Dramaturgy), Phil Timberlake (Vocal Coach), Stephen James Anderson (Fight Choreographer), Williams Wever (Scenic Design), Carmen Briwa (Costume Design), Jake Kvanbeck (Lighting Design), Mike Ross (Sound Design), and Brent Beavers (Stage Management).

A post-show discussion with the cast and members of the staff will be held on Thursday, November 12 (7:30 PM). An Opening Night Party will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009, following the performance. Contact Andrea Tichy for details and more information.