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The Franklin Expedition

The Building Stage
Chicago, IL

"A slightly delusional, historically inaccurate, fragmented portrait of a lost explorer."

Sir John Franklin was a British naval officer and Arctic explorer who mapped almost two-thirds of the northern coastline of North America. He was also for a time the Governor of Tasmania but was removed from office in disgrace. His final expedition in 1845 was meant to traverse the last unnavigated section of the Northwest Passage. It didn't go so well. Franklin and two ships carrying 128 men were lost. No one knew what had happened to them despite the numerous rescue missions that followed for many years.

The mystery of the crew's fate played a large part in building the Myth of Franklin. The story of Franklin's expedition has inspired a famous folk song, a play written by Wilkie Collins presented by Charles Dickens' amateur theatrical troupe, a radio play in verse by Canadian poet Gwendolyn MacEwen, and countless other works of art and history.

Now The Building Stage has transformed the Franklin story into a poetic, theatrical "lament for what we are and a dream of what we might be." Rather than telling the story of one single man or expedition, this original theatrical work uses Franklin to get at the heart of exploring, risking vulnerability and the unknown, and the challenge of connecting our everyday actions with our deepest desires. At the center of the work is a character who finds himself frozen, floating alone, drifting and at a loss for who he is or how to move forward.

Created by The Building Stage. Conceived and directed by Blake Montgomery. Developed and performed by David Amaral, Pamela Maurer, Chris Pomeroy, Jon Stutzman, and Leah Urzendowski. With Lighting designed by Jared Moore. Costumes designed by Kristen Ahern. Stage Management by Annie Castleberry.

Kid Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Non-Smoking: No

Wheelchair Accessible: No

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