Vitalist Theatre To Present Premiere of 'First American Christmas'

VITALIST THEATRE presents the World Premiere of Anung's First American Christmas, directed by Elizabeth Carlin-Metz and adapted for the stage by Robin Metz from the novella by Carl Nordgren (as told to him by former Tribal Council Chief Steve Fobister (Baminowekapo) of the Keewatin Ojibway, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada).  Press Opening is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at 7:00 P.M., Theatre Building Chicago.  Anung's First American Christmas, will run through Sunday, January 4, 2009.

Anung's First American Christmas dramatizes a magical, pre-Columbian legend of the Anishinaabe People, as Waabanong Anung embarks upon his Vision Quest and hero's journey East across "the water that stretches the sky" in search of the Greatest Chief.  Along the way, he is challenged by mysterious natural forces, impish and ferocious creatures of the woodlands, waters, and sky, and by the demon spirit Weendigo.  Creation speaks-at times in riddles.  Anung encounters beauty, pestilence and death, winged delight and leaden doubt approaching despair, yet finds comfort in the memory of Grandfather's tribal wisdom and, with the guidance of Turtle, Bear, and Trumpeter Swan, learns to persevere.  A multicultural tale of personal, artistic, and spiritual maturation, this story combines live action with various international puppetry styles to create a unique holiday vision of human frailty and courage, joy and enchantment, generosity, celebration and sacredness in a swirling context that embraces and expands the boundaries of Western World tradition and linear time.

Drawing upon Vitalist's distinctive fusion of resonant narrative and compelling physical theatre,Elizabeth Carlin-Metz builds upon her acclaimed productions of The Three Lives of Lucie Cabrol, Anna Karenina, Mother Courage and Her Children (three 2007 Chicago After Dark Awards), and A Passage to India (2008 Jeff Recommended) to direct this World Premiere.  Based on the work of novelist Carl Nordgren, former hunting/fishing guide in the Ojibway Grassy Narrows region, the stage adaptation is written by poet Robin Metz, winner of the Rilke International Poetry Prize and recent American Poet-in-Residence in India and Nepal. Anung's First American Christmas, is supported by the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, St. Ignace, MI.  Joining Vitalist's gifted ensemble and renowned company designers for this exceptional production are puppet master/designer Tracy Otwell (2007 Jeff Award) and percussion masterW. Carson Hooley.

Show Times are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.  Saturday matinees will be offered November 29, December 27, and January 3 at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors and students; $12 for children 12 and under.  For information and reservations please call Theatre Building Chicago Box Office: 773-327-5252.  Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Group Sales, 347-804-6509.

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