Lookingglass Announces Free Community Panel Conversations for Metamorphoses
In conjunction with its hit production of Metamorphoses, Lookingglass Theatre is hosting a series of free panel conversations. A variety of artists, scholars, historians and docents will discuss the themes explored in the hit production. The free discussions will take place at 4:30 p.m., following the Sunday matinees on October 21, 28, November 4 and 11, 2012, at Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N Michigan Ave.
The panels are free and open to the public. Tickets for Metamorphoses, based on the myths of Ovid from a translation by David Slavitt, written and directed by Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman, are $36-$70 and available online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office, located inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. For more information and box office hours, visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org.
About Metamorphoses
The revival production, coinciding with the 10th Anniversary of the Broadway production, is now playing through December 16, 2012, at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.
In 1998, Lookingglass debuted Metamorphoses, a play of such grace and power that the memory of it still lingers in the minds of audiences today. The critically-acclaimed, record-breaking Chicago engagement led to a Broadway production that garnered Mary Zimmerman the 2002 Tony Award for Best Director and catapulted Lookingglass onto the national stage.
From a simple, rippling pool of water, Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman conjured the force of Ovid’s ancient myths into gorgeous imagery and breathtaking storytelling. Metamorphoses’ highly-acclaimed Chicago revival features a number of Lookingglass Ensemble Members and original cast members.
The scheduled public conversations include:
Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 4:30pm
“…myths are the earliest forms of science”: Myths and the Natural World
In addition to being among the most prodigious storytellers, the ancient Greeks were among the first scientists, astronomers, and doctors. How did their creation myths and their science reconcile, and how do ours today? Do myths fill in where science leaves off, or vice-versa? What are today’s myths, and what do they tell us about our understanding of “The Way Things Work”?
Panelists:
- Dr. Alaka Wali, Curator of North American Anthropology and Applied Cultural Research Director in the Environment, Culture and Conservation Division of the Field Museum.
- Dr. Lea Schweitz, Director of the Zygon Center for Religion and Science, and Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology/Religion and Science
Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 4:30pm
“…dreams are private myths”: Myth, Mind and the Unconscious
“Narcissism”; “Hysteria”; “Oedipus Complex”; even the term “psychology” itself – these are evidence of how strongly Greek plays and ideas have shaped our perceptions of how the mind works. From Freud and Jung to modern psychology, how do these timeless stories help us identify the battles we fight, both internally and externally? How do these ancient stories help explain our primal impulses of sex, violence, desire, revenge, and love (to name just a few)?
Panelists:
- Dr. Thomas Lavin, Ph.D., Jungian Analyst with the C.G. Jung Center
- Dr. Mary Ellen O’Hare Lavin, Ph.D., C.A.D.C., Jungian psychotherapist
- Dr. Richard Bowen, Ph.D, Professor of Psychology at Loyola University Chicago
- Dr. Janna Henning, J.D., Psy.D., C.T., B.C.E.T.S. Core Faculty Coordinator at Adler School of Professional Psychology, Traumatic Stress Psychology Concentration
Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 4:30pm
“…never think – never think! — you are safe from love…”: Love, Sex and Myth
Whether someone is running towards love or desperately running from it, Aphrodite can grab hold of any of us at any time – sometimes for good, sometimes for ill, but always at Her will. What are we to make of this powerful goddess and how she holds sway in our lives today? How do sexuality and gender play a part in love’s influence within the myths? Why is love’s power so transformative?
Panelists:
- Dr. Eli J. Finkel, Ph.D., Professor Social Psychology at Northwestern University
- Katherine Greenwood, J.D., Ph.D., Mythological Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Educator at Loyola University
Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 4:30pm
“Let me not outlive me own capacity to love…”: Myth and Being Human
Myths don’t just explain “how things came to be” but also how we are to be. and behave, with each other. What ethical code is imparted by the myths in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and what collective stories guide our conduct today?
Panelists:
- Rabbi Brant Rosen, Rabbi of Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Co-Founder of Ta’anit Tzedek, Chairperson of the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council.
- Dr. Laurie Zoloth, Ph.D, Director of Brady Scholars Program in Ethics and Leadership. Director of the Center for Bioethics, Science and Society. Professor of Religion. Northwestern
- Ken Novak, Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago, Adult Education Co-Chair, Ethical Humanist Officiant,
Production Sponsors for Metamorphoses include United Airlines, the official and exclusive airline of Lookingglass Theatre Company, and The Pauls Foundation.
About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. 2012-2013 marks the company’s 25th anniversary season. Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. Lookingglass has staged 58 world premieres at 23 venues across Chicago, and garnered 52 Joseph Jefferson Awards and Citations.
Work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis. Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.
The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago’s landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003. In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.
Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 22-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Richard Ditton of Incredible Technologies and President Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.