The Back Door Theatre Presents MINNA 1/2/2010

The TRAP DOOR THEATRE presents: The American Premiere of Minna

Written by: Howard Barker
Directed by: Nicole Wiesner

Cast: Kevin Cox, Gary Damico, Geraldine Dulex, John Gray, David Holcombe, John Kahara, Amber Lageman, Pamela Maurer, Kinga Modjeska, Sadie Rogers, Derek Ryan and Carl Wisniewski

Set in a mythical world that swings between the 18th Century and the 1950's, Minna is Howard Barker's ferocious view of war and sexual politics. Minna Von Barnhelm is the light and airy heroine of Lessing's Enlightenment-era comedy, but in Barker's nightmarish world, her single-minded pursuit of atrocity compels her to commit atrocity herself.

Howard Barker's first play was performed at The Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in 1970. Subsequently, his works were played by the Royal Court, Royal Shakespeare Company, The Open Space Theatre, Sheffield Crucible and the Almeida. He is currently Artistic Director of The Wrestling School, a company established to disseminate his works and develop his theory of production. His work is played extensively in Europe, in translation, in The United States, and in Australia . He writes regularly for radio, both in England and Europe . He is the author of plays for marionettes and has written three librettos for opera. Howard Barker is the author of two works of theory, and five volumes of poetry. He is also a painter. His work is held in national collections in England (V&A, London) and Europe.

Assistant Director Carolyn Hoerdemann / Sound Designer Jonathan Guillen / Lighting Designer Richard Norwood / Set DesignerEwelina Dobiesz / Stage Manager Barry Branford / Costume Designer Beata Pilch / Graphic Designer Michal Janicki

Opens: Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 8 PM.
With a special performance on: Sunday, Jan 3 at 7 PM.
Closes: Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 8 PM.
Runs: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM.
Admission: $20 (2-for-1 on Thursdays)

What:
* In a mythical setting that swings between the 18th Century and the 1950's, Howard Barker's Minna places Minna Von Barnhelm the light and airy heroine of an Enlightenment-era comedy, in a nightmarish world, where her single-minded pursuit of atrocity compels her to commit atrocity herself.

* Minna places the light and airy Minna Von Barnhelm, in a hilariously horrific world, where her single-minded pursuit of atrocity compels her to commit unspeakable acts.

* Minna is Howard Barker's ferociously sardonic view of war and sexual politics.

Where: TRAP DOOR THEATRE, 1655 W. Cortland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Info/Reservations: 773-384-0494 To purchase tickets online: www.trapdoortheatre.com