Press info about the show (and special events):
“The Last Daughter of Oedipus” was a finalist in the 2007-2008 Joining Sword & Pen playwriting competition and was developed through BWB’s New Plays Development Program. The play combines sword and shield, staff and unarmed combat with voice and movement work to push the boundaries of physical and vocal storytelling.
Director Tara Branham describes the show as “a literal and metaphorical journey in which the fate of family, state and self fall on the shoulders of a young woman who must choose between who she is and who she might become.”
Babes With Blades will celebrate their world premiere production of “The Last Daughter of Oedipus” with a variety of special events:
A series of Meet the Author evenings, featuring a pre-show meet and greet and post-performance discussion, will be held on Sunday August 29, Saturday September 4 and Thursday September 23. There will be a Toga Night on September 3, and donations for the National Military Family association will be collected September 9-12. Stage weapons suppliers and longtime BWB supporters Rogue Steel will be honored at the Friday August 27 performance.
As a special treat for patrons, baklava will be served at all Friday performances.
In partnership with the League of Chicago Theaters, Babes With Blades will host a Theater Thursday event on August 26. BWB ensemble members and the artistic staff of “Last Daughter” will welcome patrons to a pre-show reception, where they will enjoy Greek-themed hors d’oeuvres and a behind-the-scenes look at the people and processes that brought “The Last Daughter of Oedipus” to its world premiere. Guests can then watch the show. The event begins at 7pm and the show begins at 8pm. Tickets to this special event are $25. When calling for reservations for this event, mention Theater Thursday.
There will be an industry night on Monday, September 13. Tickets are available for purchase online for $5, proof of industry affiliation must be shown at the door.
Thursday night specials are “come as you are, pay as you go.” (No door fee; patrons pay whatever they think is appropriate after the show).
The weekend of 9/9-9/12 is National Military Family Association donation weekend: Collections will be taken and donated to the association. See below for more info on cast member Logan Black, who is an Army and Navy veteran.
Cast: Moira Begale, Logan Black, Amy E. Harmon*, Eleanor Katz, Kimberly Logan, Katie Mack, Jasmine Ryan, Sarah Scanlon, Michael Sherwin and Mandy Walsh.
Production staff: Leigh Barrett*(Producer/ Lighting Designer), Libby Beyreis* (Fight Choreographer), Tara Branham (Director), Lora Conrad (Scenic Designer), Gillian N. Humiston*(Assistant Fight Choreographer), Megan Kohl (Voice Instructor), Kjerstine McHugh* (Stage Manager), Jennifer Mickelson* (Assistant Fight Choreographer/Playwright), Stephen Ptacek (Original Music/Sound Designer), Brandi Stepp(Assistant Director), Mercedes Rohlfs (Movement Director), Emma Weber (Costume Designer).
*Indicates BWB Ensemble Member
Performances will take place at Lincoln Square Theatre, 4754 N. Leavitt, Chicago inside Berry Memorial UMC.
Previews Aug 15 & 22 - 7pm and Aug 20 & 21 - 8pm.
Opening night is Monday, Aug 23 at 8pm, and runs through Sept 25, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 7pm.
Preview tickets are $8, regular tickets are $20 and $12 for students and seniors.
For press reservatons call 773-904-0391.
Logan Black, graduate of U of Utah, and veteran of the Iraq war:
After joining the Utah National Guard in 1996, Logan went on active duty as a combat engineer and then as a specialized search dog handler, deployed to Iraq in 2006. Working to recover and/destroy weapons, ammunition and IEDs, Logan was recognized by both the Army and the Navy with achievement medals. It was rumored that Logan and his dog, Diego, had a $200,000 bounty on their heads. On the day Saddam Hussein was executed, Logan left Iraq and left the Army in May of 2007. After working with Colorado Shakespeare, Logan moved to Chicago where he now makes his home.
In honor of his participation in “The Last Daughter of Oedipus,” and in commemoration of 9/11, the weekend of Sept. 11, 2010 will include collections for the National Military Family Association. This organization fights for benefits and programs that strengthen and protect uniformed services families and reflect the Nation’s respect for their service.
The idea of military and families is one that pervades “The Last Daughter of Oedipus.” The main character, Ismene, has lost her two brothers in battle and an approaching army now threatens her city. She joins forces with a trio of women from a military family on the opposing side who try to protect their men by helping Ismene prevent the approaching war.
