Joyce Piven and her late husband, Byrne Piven, began telling stories 40 years ago at their eponymous theater. Creating a distinctive theatrical style, they started with a show based on some of Anton Chekhov’s stories. Evanston’s small but influential Piven Theatre is now celebrating its 40th anniversary with show aptly titled “Encores.” It isn’t a […]
A physician once argued that three-fourths of women had ailments that could be cured by the vibrator. The doctor was quoted in “The Technology of Orgasm” by Rachel Maines. Acclaimed playwright and Wilmette native Sarah Ruhl says that this book was her inspiration for “In The Next Room (or the vibrator play).” Directed by Sandy […]
When former lovers get cast as romantic leads in a 1930s melodrama, the line blurs between fake lip-locking on stage and real smooching. “Stage Kiss” is the latest collaboration by director Jessica Thebus and playwright Sarah Ruhl; most recently, Thebus directed Ruhl’s stage adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando” at the Court Theatre. But “Orlando” and […]
Wilmette native Sarah Ruhl is one of the most accomplished and acclaimed playwrights in contemporary theater. Beginning April 30, Goodman Theatre presents the world premiere of Ruhl’s “Stage Kiss,” which it commissioned, while her adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s classic “Orlando” closes this weekend at Court Theatre. Known for her quirky plays that tackle everything from […]
Two North Shore natives have collaborated once again to bring innovative and captivating theater to Chicago in the Court Theatre’s production of “Orlando.” Director Jessica Thebus instills playfulness and poignancy in Sarah Ruhl’s adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando,” which explores what it means to be a man and a woman through sex and history. “Orlando” […]
