The Chicago theater community seems to be holding a mirror to the public. With the recent financial meltdown on Wall Street and the issues that permeate the presidential election, several plays are reflecting the news on stage. Although some theaters chose plays with political context in advance, their timing is uncannily impeccable.
Racial themes in the Court Theatre’s “Caroline, or Change” come at a time when polls show many Americans are hesitant to vote for the first black democratic nominee for president – Barack Obama. The theater’s location in Hyde Park is also around the corner from his house.
Court Theatre wanted to perform this play since its New York production four years ago, but Artistic Director Charles Newell said the theater couldn’t commit to the show until now.
“Did we plan it this way? No,” Newell said. “But we knew the piece itself. It’s emotional storytelling, and the world seems to now resonate around these issues.”
The opening of “The Voysey Inheritance” at the Remy Bumppo Theatre was the same weekend of the meltdown on Wall Street. The story revolves around a family’s fraudulent financial mess as they continue living off of accounts in their investment banking firm with no funds in them.
“Voysey” director James Bohnen said the theater wanted to do a play with political and ethical connections since it is an election year, but the impeccable timing of the opening was not planned.
“Shortly after we chose this play, Bear Stearns fell apart,” Bohnen said. “Obviously we wanted to do something with a political overtone, but nobody could have foreseen the play would open the week the economy fell apart.”
While other plays don’t have the same timing as “Caroline” and “Voysey,” they are still just as relevant.
“A Dozen Guns N Rosas” at the Gorilla Tango Theatre illustrates two women’s views during the stages of life. The play touches on themes such as ethnic stereotypes, the floundering economy and religion, all controversial issues in the election. Director Ed Garza said the show’s approach shows how social and political climate impacts the individual.
“The show doesn’t reflect on political themes as overtly as others might, but it focuses on the characters and how they’re being affected by current events,” Garza said. “It’s not anybody standing up and doing a [Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah] Palin imitation and talking about specific issues, but the show talks about every day experiences and how it impacts daily life.”
Second City, no stranger to political and social satire, currently has two shows with political themes – “No Country for Old White Men” and “Campaign Supernova” – that use sketch comedy to talk about the issues and politicians. Co-producer Robin Hammond said Second City always has some political point of view with their shows.
“There’s a lot to talk about,” Hammond said. “It becomes part of a greater national conversation. People are nervous. People are scared. It’s a release to come into an environment like this and just enjoy yourself.”
The public may be afraid of their mortgages and gas prices, but Bohnen said these plays allow them the opportunity to look at the issues in America in a whole new way.
Newell said “Caroline” makes people think about change. “It raises all kinds of questions and issues about how quickly change can come. Change comes fast and change comes slow but change comes.”
Hammond said while these are unfortunate times for many Americans, the current events keep her in business.
“Sometimes, the worst times are the best of times to be in comedy,” Hammond said. “There’s so much material."
For tickets, dates and show times of the plays listed, visit the following sites:
