BLOOD WEDDING Opens 10/9 in Oracle's Public Access Theatre

Opening its 2010-2011 mainstage season, Oracle proudly announces its production of BLOOD WEDDING by Federico Garcia Lorca, translated by Michael Dewell and Carmen Zapata, at Oracle Theatre, 3809 N. Broadway in Chicago. BLOOD WEDDING previews October 8, and runs October 9 through November 20. Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, and Sundays at 7PM. Press are invited to the preview or any performance opening weekend.

Lorca's poetic masterpiece is presented to the community in Oracle's Public Access Theatre, which no longer sells tickets. Admission is free, sponsored by The Forty 4, Oracle's monthly sponsorship program.

Oracle artists have a tradition of showing Chicago their taste for Halloween thrills with their DISTURBED series, as well as their ability to reinvigorate classic texts with their Jeff recommended production of THE GHOST SONATA. BLOOD WEDDING is an opportunity to showcase both strengths in a production helmed by Oracle's Artistic Director, Ben Fuchsen.

Originally envisioned as a piece to enliven a droll theatre scene in 1930's Spain, this famous tragedy is Lorca's reinvention in the Greek tragic tradition and has become a staple of theatre artists of every generation. A brand new bride makes a choice that results in unconscionable consequences. BLOOD WEDDING at Oracle in time for Halloween - promising to provide audiences a foreboding encounter with a truly inspired piece of theatre.

Company member Justin Warren plays The Moon, a lonely deity in search of fulfillment no matter the cost to humanity. At his beck and call is Death, played by Sasha Walloch. This demonic duo weaves in and out of scenes, positioning humans to commit a perfect murder, suicide, and sacrifice all at once. A mysterious ghost stands between the humans and a cursed fate. The Ghost is played by Kimberly Logan and is presented through video projections that move around the stage. The cast includes Alexander Gerber, Rob Glidden, Megan Green, and Sarah Pretz, with Griffin Sharps as Leonardo and Kate Lane as The Bride.

BLOOD WEDDING's design team consists of artists from all over Chicago including returning designers James Ogden as set designer, Sean Campbell as lighting designer, and composer Jonathan Guillen providing original music and sound. Offstage, Warren doubles as make-up designer, and DeChantel Kosmatka is costume designer. Company member Laura Smith is assistant director, and Elisabeth Barnick is dramaturge. Hale Eckinci provides graphic design for the production. Executive Director Brad Jayhan-Little produces, and is supported by David Boren as production manager.

BLOOD WEDDING's video design is executed by three members of Oracle Film, a newly formed department of Oracle Productions. Bill Ryan serves as Artistic Director of Oracle Film, and is joined by filmmaker Craig Erpelding and cinematographer Emily Herrera designing the video and projections for BLOOD WEDDING. More details on Oracle Film are forthcoming.

BLOOD WEDDING marks the debut of Oracle's Public Access Theatre initiative, which no longer charges admission. Oracle has transitioned to a new business model to better serve their expanding community of patrons. Oracle is a Public Arts Organization that now offers more than just theatre. The company's vision is to revitalize the hunger for cultural experiences of all kinds, and Public Access Theatre makes it possible for any member of the community to join their audience.

Following BLOOD WEDDING, the mainstage season continues with Buchner's WOYZECK, directed by Max Truax, and a special adaptation of Euripides's BACCHAE, directed by Fuchsen. In addition, Oracle Film will produce one short film, Oracle Outreach will mount a touring performance of an episode from the radio program GUNSMOKE for senior living communities and transitional homeless shelters, and the company will host a variety of programs, workshops and performances - all offered at little or no cost to the community. Oracle continues to take giant steps forward to unite artists and audiences in fearless cultural experiences.

BLOOD WEDDING previews October 8 and runs October 9 through November 20. Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, and Sundays at 7PM. Admission is free. Visit oracletheatre.org for more details, to find out how to guarantee a seat and become a member of The Forty 4. Press are invited to the preview or any performance opening weekend.

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