ASL Interpreted Show Added on 11/3 for "Orpheus Descending"

From: ATC - Oct 24, 2005

October 24, 2005
CONTACT: Damon Kiely
dkiely@atcweb.org; 773/929-5009

AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY ADDS
ASL-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE ON 11/3, 8 PM, FOR
ORPHEUS DESCENDING BY TENESSEE WILLIAMS
FEATURING DEAF ACTOR CHRIS LOPEZ

October 24, 2005— American Theater Company (ATC) will add a special ASL-interpreted performance on Thursday, November 3, for the 8 PM performance of the Jeff-nominated, critically acclaimed Orpheus Descending by Tennessee Williams. Orpheus Descending features deaf actor Chris Lopez in the role of Uncle Pleasant. For reservations or further information, contact dkiely@atcweb.org, (773) 929-1031 or visit www.atcweb.org.

In Orpheus Descending, Williams takes us into the hell of a small southern town in 1948 where all outsiders are treated with contempt or violence. At the center is Italian outsider Lady Torrance, a repressed shopkeeper trapped in a deadly marriage whose world is turned upside down with the arrival of Val, a drifting musician who she hires as a sales clerk. Val connects with fellow outsider Lady, as well as wild child exhibitionist Carol Cutrere.

Deaf actor Chris Lopez plays Uncle Pleasant, a local voodoo shaman who is shunned by everyone except for Carol, who sees his true spirit. She asks for his magical chocktaw cry which seems to conjure Val, bringing a bit of wildness into this repressed southern town. Originally Uncle Pleasant was written as a wizened old black man by Williams, but director Kiely reinterpreted the role for deaf actor Lopez, who uses ASL in the show, along with the character of Carol.

Dates, Times, and Ticket Information

Location: American Theater Company, 1909 West Byron St., Chicago
Dates: Regular Run: October 13 through November 13, 2005
Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 5 and 8:30 p.m.
Sundays at 3 p.m.

ASL-interpreted performance on
Thursday, November 3, 2005, at 8 PM – regular $25 ticket

Tickets: $25 Thursdays, Saturdays at 5 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.
$30 Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.
Senior and student discounts are available.

Box Office: dkiely@atcweb.org, www.atcweb.org
1909 West Byron Street. (773) 929-1031
Box office open 12-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
12-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday
3-8:30 p.m. Saturday
1-3 p.m. Sunday