ShPIeL-Performing Identity announces the world premiere of the solo theatre piece, The Passions of Emma Goldman, written and performed by Roslyn Alexander and directed by Dennis Zacek, May 13 - June 22. The production runs at two locations: May 13 - June 1 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., and June 4 - June 22 at The Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave. in Skokie.
The performance schedule at Stage 773 includes preview performances Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. Opening/press night is Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Stage 773 with the regular run schedule Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There will be no May 18 Sunday performance. Tickets go on sale at both locations Saturday, March 1 and are $28 for general admission tickets. For the Chicago performance at Stage 773, tickets are available at stage773.com or their box office, 773.327.5252. Performances at the Skokie Theater are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets at The Skokie Theatre are also $28 and may be purchased at skokietheatre.com, or the box office, 847.677.7761 Senior tickets to all performances are $24 and students are $18 with an ID. Special discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are available at 773.969.6860. Free post-performance discussions are available Thursdays and selected additional performances. Go to shpieltheatre.com for complete post-performance discussions and guest speakers schedule.
In preparing for the role, Roslyn Alexander did extensive research in Goldman's memoirs and biographies to create The Passions of Emma Goldman. Born in Russia to Jewish parents, Emma Goldman immigrated to the United States in 1885 and soon after dedicated her life to the creation of a new social order. Convinced that the combination of politics with the economic organization of modern society was fundamentally unjust, she embraced political "anarchism" for its vision of liberty, harmony and true social justice. Lionized by admirers, despised as a rebel and menaced by her critics - Goldman was ahead of her time, tirelessly championing movements and issues such as: sexual and reproductive rights for women; workers' rights for adults and children and prison reform. Delving inside Goldman's life, Alexander reveals the personal and political passions of this fascinating American icon and shows the price she paid for her convictions.
The Passions of Emma Goldman's production team includes: Ashleigh Bowers (sound designer and assistant to the artistic producing director); Rachael Claxton (scenic designer); Ellie Humphrys (lighting designer); Joan Mazzonelli (dramaturg) and Rachel Silvert (stage manager).
Videos