ictory Gardens Hosts Special Public Program Series in Conjunction with Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman directed by Chay Yew June 13 – July 13, 2014

Victory Gardens Theater curates a special lineup of public programs in conjunction with its current production of Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman, directed by Artistic Director Chay Yew. Each special program explores the themes and issues tackled in Death and the Maiden, including political and cultural oppression, prisoner treatment and police brutality, genocide and violence against marginalized groups in society. Death and the Maidenfeatures Sandra Oh, Raul Castillo and John Judd and runs June 13 – July 13, 2014, with the press performance onJune 20, 2014, at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue.

Ariel Dorfman’s explosively provocative, award-winning political thriller is set in a rocky new democracy. Gerardo has just been chosen to head the commission that will investigate the crimes of the old regime when his car breaks down and he is picked up by a kind doctor. Gerardo’s wife, Paulina, thinks she recognizes the doctor as the man who tormented her as she lay blindfolded in a military detention center years before. Death and the Maiden is a riveting play about revenge, trauma and forgiveness.

A full and updated schedule of special events, post show discussions and presentations centered around performances of Death and the Maiden is available at www.victorygardens.org.  All events are free unless otherwise noted, and a reservation is required. To RSVP, call (773)871-3000 or visit the Victory Gardens website. The following Public Programs events, designed to enhance the audience experience of the issues surrounding Death and the Maiden, are currently scheduled in conjunction with Death and the Maiden:

AFTERWORDS

After every performance of DEATH AND THE MAIDEN (unless otherwise noted)

Join us for one of our intimate post show conversations. Led by members from the Victory Gardens community—subscribers, Artistic staff, Teen Arts Council members, and community partners— reflect on what you’ve seen and share your response.

HUMAN RIGHTS: A GLOBAL AFFAIR

Town Hall | Mon June 16, 2014 | 7:00pm | Free

For some, international torture is thought to be a myth. For others, it is real and an everyday occurrence. When survivors of trauma and loss seek amnesty in the United States, how can we support them? In this town hall discussion moderated by Amnesty International, we will discuss the various effects torture has on its survivors as we uncover ways to move forward from this trauma.

Featuring Mario Venegas (Chilean torture survivor), Mary Lynn Everson (Heartland Alliance Kovler Center), Dr. Nancy Bothne (Chicago School of Professional Psychology), and Susan Gzesh (Human Rights Program University of Chicago.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT OUT: SILENT NO MORE

Wed June 18, 2014 | 6:30pm cocktail get together at Fiesta Mexicana | Special Afterwords  | Free

Between Russia’s anti-gay vigilantes and Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (“Kill the Gays” bill), international abuse against the LGBT community is on the rise. Join our friends from The Center on Halsted for preshow cocktails at Fiesta Mexicana and a Special Afterwords discussion addressing global violence and oppression in the LGBT community.

 

With Anthony Martinez (Civil Rights Agenda) and Eric Lueshen (openly gay Nebraska Football player)

 

ENCUENTROS: A CONVERSATION

Thurs June 19, 2014 | 6:30pm cocktail get together at Fiesta Mexicana | Special Afterwords | Free

Be a part of our familia at this special Encuentros! Hosted by Amor Montes de Oca of Arte Y Vida, enjoy preshow cocktails and then stick around for a special Afterwords discussion giving voice to violence and oppression in the international LGBT community.

 

Featuring Matilde de la Sierra (Guatemalan torture survivor), Nancy Garcia (Alliance of Latino Theater Artists, Colectivo el Pozo), and members from Mujeres Latinas en Accion.

THE ACT OF KILLING

Free Film Screening | Mon June 23, 2014 | 7:00pm | Free

In this chilling and inventive documentary, celebrated Indonesian death squad leaders are challenged to reenact their real-life mass-killings in the style of the American movies they love. Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary – Feature, The Act of Killing is an unprecedented film that, according to the Lost Angeles Times, “could well change how you view the documentary form.

CHICAGO POLICE BRUTALITY

Thurs June 26, 2014 | Special Afterwords | Free

From 1972-1991, Chicago Police Detective Jon Burge tortured more than 200 criminal suspects into confessing to crimes they did not commit. With most of these victims still imprisoned, will reparations ever be enough? In this post-show discussion, join leaders of the Chicago anti-torture movement as they explore the relationship between international human rights laws and Chicago police brutality.

With Darrell Cannon (Chicago Police torture survivor), Alice Kim (Chicago Torture Justice Memorials), Joey Mogul(People’s Law Office) and Pat Hill (African American Police League.)

AND SHE SPOKE LIKE THIS

Spoken Word Pre-show Performances

Thurs June 26, 2014 | Tues July 1, 2014 | Tues July 8, 2014 | Thurs July 10, 2014 | 7:00pm | Free

One mic. Three women. Listen to the poetry of female spoken word artists Jelisa Bettes, Brandi Lee, and Noelle Aiisaat select pre-show performances throughout the run of Death and the Maiden. Responding to themes such as violence against women, these emerging spoken word artists are unafraid to take the mic and share their truths.

TUXEDO JUNCTION

Sat June 28, 2014 | 7:00pm pre-show performance in the lobby | Special Afterwords | Free

Tuxedo Junction is back and better than ever! Watch members of Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit’s performance ensemble alongside Chicago-based dancer and instructor Kenyetta Benton as they respond to themes in Death and the Maidenduring a pre-show reception and performance. Following the show, stick around for a conversation with Tuxedo Junction host Sydney Chatman about police brutality and community-based solutions in Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods.

EQUANIMITY: WRITING AND EXILE

Sun June 29, 2014 | 1:30pm | Free

Being forced to leave one’s homeland can leave one with a sense of loss, trauma, and confusion. But for many writers, exile and political writing can also be a source of creativity and a way to reconnect with a life that seems increasingly distant. Join John Rich (Director of the Guild Literary Complex) as he opens a dialogue with a panel of Chicago-based writers exploring first-hand experiences of exile and political activism in their creative works.

Featuring writers Osama Alomar, Coya Paz, and others.

CELEBRATING ARIEL DORFMAN: A CONVERSATION ON EXILE AND MEMORY

Wed July 2, 2014 | 6:30pm cocktail get together at Fiesta Mexicana | Special Afterwords | Free

Rather than distinguishing between politics and art, Chilean writer Ariel Dorfman believes “that one’s writing is deeply political” and “engages the major dilemmas of the community.” In this riveting post-show discussion, David Chack(artistic director of ShPIeL) will address the similarities between Dorfman’s exile, his Jewish identity, and the dangers of being a political and cultural outsider.

The William and Orli Staley Foundation is the Lead Production Sponsor of Death and the Maiden.  Additional production sponsors include Abbot Downing, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Al and Pamella Capitanini Family & the Italian Village Restaurants, and Charles E. Harris II and Mayer Brown LLP.

Full performance schedule

Previews of Death and the Maiden are June 13-19, 2014: Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3 pm.. The Press opening is Friday, June 20, 2014 at 8pm.  Regular performances run June 21 – July 13, 2014: Tuesdaythrough Saturday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 4 pm; Sunday at 3 pm.  There will be a 2pm matinee on Wednesday, July 2. There will not be a public performance on July 4, 2014. Tickets begin at $20.

Performances are at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.  For tickets and information, call the Victory Gardens Box Office, 773.871.3000, emailtickets@victorygardens.org, or visit www.victorygardens.org.  Ask the Box Office about student tickets, senior, Access, $20 under 30, and rush discounts.  For group discounts, call 773.328.2136.

About Victory Gardens Theater

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Chay Yew and Managing Director Chris Mannelli, Victory Gardens is dedicated to artistic excellence while creating a vital, contemporary American Theater that is accessible and relevant to all people through productions of challenging new plays and musicals.  With Victory Gardens’ first new Artistic Director in 34 years, the company remains committed to the development, production and support of new plays that has been the mission of the theater since its founding, continuing the vision set forth by Dennis Zacek, Marcelle McVay, and the original founders of Victory Gardens Theater.

Victory Gardens Theater is a leader in developing and producing new theatre work and cultivating an inclusive Chicago theater community. Victory Gardens’ core strengths are nurturing and producing dynamic and inspiring new plays, reflecting the diversity of our city’s and nation’s culture through engaging diverse communities, and in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, bringing art and culture to our city’s active student population.

Since its founding in 1974, the company has produced more world premieres than any other Chicago theater, a commitment recognized nationally when Victory Gardens received the 2001 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater includes the Zacek-McVay Theater, a state-of-the-art 299-seat mainstage and the 109-seat studio theater on the second floor, named the Richard Christiansen Theater.

In 2012, Victory Gardens Victory Gardens appointed new Ensemble Playwrights Philip Dawkins, Marcus Gardley, Samuel D. Hunter and Tanya Saracho, for seven-year residencies. The Playwrights Ensemble Alumni includes Claudia Allen, Lonnie Carter, Steve Carter, Gloria Bond Clunie, Dean Corrin, Nilo Cruz, Joel Drake Johnson, John Logan, Nicholas Patricca, Douglas Post, James Sherman, Charles Smith, Jeffrey Sweet and Kristine Thatcher.

For more information about Victory Gardens, www.victorygardens.org.  Follow up on Facebook at Facebook.com/victorygardens and Twitter @VictoryGardens.

Victory Gardens Theater receives major funding from Alphawood Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Allstate Insurance, Polk Bros. Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Leo S. Guthman Fund, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, William and Orli Staley Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts and REAM Foundation. Additional funding is provided by: Illinois Arts Council (a state agency), The Edgerton Foundation, Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation, McVay Foundation, The Seabury Foundation, Wrightwood Neighbors Conservation Association, The Charles H. and Bertha L. Boothroyd Foundation, John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, Illinois Tool Works, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust,  Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, LLP, Abbot Downing, James S. Kemper Foundation, The Prince Charitable Trusts, Southwest Airlines, a City Arts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, The Irving Harris Foundation and The Saints.