Event

Mythologies

Director, producer, and local theatre artist Erica Barnes (formerly of Blank Line Collective and The State Theatre of Chicago) has received a Community Arts Assistance Program grant from the City of Chicago to develop the first-ever theatrical version of David Lehman's poem "Mythologies".

We need new myths. Our old heroes are too unattainable, too perfect, too heroic. David Lehman's poem 'Mythologies' tells the story of a man struggling to construct new myths in the wake of the disintegration of his expectations. Blending the language of poetry with the ritual of theatre, 'Mythologies' searches for the answer to the age-old question--what is it to be human?

Barnes has chosen a select group of Chicago artists who will perform "Mythologies" in the theater space at Hamlin Park. Audience member and performer are only separated by a few inches, which allows for a fluid movement between on stage and off stage, and blurring the line between the observer and the observed. The stage version of "Mythologies" will also feature original artwork and object puppetry created by Taylor Bibat.

Starring: Todd Frugia, Marrakesh Frugia, Justin Harner, Melissa McNamara, Chad Duda, Tyshaun Lang, Havalah Grace

Directed and Produced by Erica Barnes
Dramaturgy by Ariel Trocino and Laura Nessler
Art Direction by Taylor Bibat
Stage Managed by Michelle Roth
Lighting by Christine Grodecki
Costume Consultation by Carla Hamilton
Photography By Lauren Sudbrink

"Mythologies" is presented by permission of David Lehman, c/o Writers Representatives, LLC (www.writersreps.com), all rights reserved.

This project is supported by a Community Arts Assistance Program grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

This program is part of The Chicago Moving Company Performance Project. The Chicago Moving Company is in residence at Hamlin Park, through the Chicago Park District's Arts Partners in Residence Program, which unites artists and communities in Chicago's parks.