Strindberg's A DREAM PLAY To Be Adapted By Egg & Spoon

Following the success of Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective's production of MORNING by Simon Stephens in September, this young theatre company is back with another offering that you're not going to want to miss: A DREAM PLAY.

Originally written in 1901 by Swedish playwright August Strindberg, A DREAM PLAY uses what the playwright calls, "the logical shape of the dream" to explore the human world, which is full of beauty and suffering. Even as a true classic in Strindberg's repertory, it's one of the more challenging and is rarely produced. Perhaps what's needed is a young visionary director and a hungry company of artists, ready to tell this story for the audience of 2018.

Adapted in a new version by Catherine Giddings and featuring a talented cast of nine, this surreal tale follows the wandering Agnes, daughter of the gods, as she encounters a strange assortment of characters in a world spun from the stuff of dreams. The play has been modernized for contemporary audiences. This updated version retains the ethereal qualities of the original which mirror the waking world in the boundless confines of the sleeping one, in all its beauty and sorrow. Is joy extricable from pain? Is it possible to live a meaningful life in a messy, nonsensical world?

"I am surprised at how simple some of it is," says Giddings. "I've heard it said that the most important thing about directing is choosing the right people, whether that's a cast of performers or group of designers. And I've really felt that with this group of people. So much of this play is about going outside of your own experience, and so when I don't have the answer to something, it's still right there in the room."

Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective is a theatre company dedicated to fostering the artistic growth of pre-professional theatre makers. Its intention is to produce challenging and thought-provoking plays, while maintaining a sense of exploration and play. In the process of honing their craft, and building their skill set, Egg & Spoon artists will be able to take large risks without fear of the unknown.

The production of A DREAM PLAY features Melissa Beaird, Kiarra Goldberg, Larry Gutman, Tom Hayes, Kylie Holloway, Kentrell Loftin, Harry Plumptre, and Alexander Settineri, with Calley Luman as Agnes. Scenic Design is by Alex Petersen, with costumes by Kathryn Bailey, and lighting by Greg Folsom. The production's Stage Manager is Zija Lubin-West, with Ryan A. Ross as its Production Manager. Poster design is by Stephen Gordon, with casting by Mary McGowan.

Directed by Catherine Giddings. Produced by Liam Lonegan.

A DREAM PLAY is the second production in Egg & Spoon's three-show inaugural season. Its next production, opening May 10th (also at Theatre 54 @ Shetler Studios), will be a commission by playwright Jess Honovich.

DATES

Thursday February 15th, 8:00 PM

Friday February 16th, 8:00 PM

Saturday February 17th, 2:00 PM

Saturday February 17th, 8:00 PM

Sunday February 18th, 2:00 PM

TICKETING

Tickets are available at www.eggandspoontheatre.org/a-dream-play

$20 for Adults (30+) and $17 for Students (Under 30)

 

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