J.R. Sullivan Named Interim Artistic Director of Irish Theatre Of Chicago

As Irish Theatre Of Chicago (formerly Seanachai Theatre Company) enters its 23rd season, the company is proud to announce the installation of Drama Desk winner J.R. Sullivan as Interim Artistic Director, effective June 25, 2018. States Founding Artistic Director and Ensemble Member Michael Grant, "J.R. is deeply passionate both about Irish theater and the ITC ensemble, and believes strongly in our place in Chicago's theater scene. After two decades at the helm I'm pleased to be able to hand over the reins to someone who loves our company and community so much, and has a great vision for what we can accomplish going forward."

"I've been a great admirer of Irish Theatre of Chicago going back to 1995's AND NEITHER HAVE I WINGS TO FLY," states Sullivan. "I am in deep admiration for their craft and their devotion to the luminous and the bruising, the political and the transcendent. I envision a future where the company has a permanent home and ongoing relationships with writers who will craft plays specifically for the distinctive Chicago style of the ITC ensemble. New plays and productions that are Chicago and Irish both, in the lyrical and the compelling, the connected and the essential. Count me as excited to be a part of all this, in the traditional and the new, as this vital company moves onwards and upwards."

Irish Theatre Of Chicago invites the public to meet the new Interim Artistic Director at an official announcement party on the patio at Chief O'Neil's (3471 North Elston Avenue in Chicago) on Thursday, June 28th, from 6:30-10:30. Admission is free. Cash bar. Appetizers will be provided. No reservations required.

About J.R. Sullivan

J.R. Sullivan began his professional career with the founding of Rockford Illinois' New American Theater, where he served as Producing Director for 22 thriving seasons. In 1994 Sullivan transitioned to freelance directing, working nationwide as well as serving as Associate Artistic Director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival from 2002-2009, and Artistic Director of NYC's Off-Broadway Pearl Theatre from 2009-2013, where during his tenure the company garnered a Drama Desk award in recognition of "notable productions of classic plays and nurturing a stalwart resident acting company."

In the Chicago area Sullivan's directing work includes Writer's Theater, Northlight, American Theatre Company, A Red Orchid, Milwaukee Rep., American Players Theatre, Live Bait, Prop, The Onyx, Touchstone, and Turnaround Theater, where his production of FAITH HEALER was selected as the inaugural production of the 1995-96 Steppenwolf Studio series. Other regional work includes the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Theatre X, Philadelphia's Arden Theatre, the Studio Theatre in Washington DC, Delaware Theatre Company, and the Resident Ensemble Players at the University of Delaware. Sullivan's overseas work for the U.S. Information Agency/International Theater Agency includes ALL MY SONS and ON GOLDEN POND in Bulgaria, and FOOL FOR LOVE in the former Soviet Union. His adaptations (in collaboration with Joseph Hanreddy) of Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and SENSE AND SENSIBILITY have been produced regionally including at Milwaukee Rep., the Oregon and Utah Shakespeare Festivals, South Coast Rep., Round House Theatre, People's Light & Theater Company, The Cincinnati Playhouse, and Connecticut Rep. In addition he has performed his own play Ben Hecht: CHILD OF THE CENTURY at Victory Gardens in Chicago.

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