This annual showcase of experimental theater, performance, and music from Chicago’s fringe, coproduced by Curious Theatre Branch and Prop Thtr, runs through 11/12. This year’s festival includes an emphasis on work by, or inspired by, Samuel Beckett. All performances are at the Prop Thtr, 3502-4 N. Elston, unless otherwise noted. Several performances will be at Roots, an offshoot of Curious Theatre Branch located in a private home; the address will be provided when reservations are made. Admission is $15 or “pay what you can,” except where noted. For information and reservations, call 773-539-7838 or visit rhinofest.com. Following is the schedule through 10/26; a complete schedule is available online at chicagoreader.com.
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Brewed Six weird sisters stir a mysterious potion and conjure forth old demons in Scott T. Barsotti’s new play, performed by Roundelay Theatre Company under Barsotti’s direction. Presented at Roots on a double bill with The End (see separate listing). a Through 10/20: Fri 7 PM.
The, End?! Halfway House Theatre Society premieres Chris Bower’s adaptation of “The End” by Samuel Beckett, “performed atop a painted neon-eyed horse.” Presented on a double bill with The Observer (see separate listing). a Sun 10/22, 7 PM.
My TV Movie of the Week Three short films that “explore the strange side of pop culture,” presented by We’re So Screwed Productions. a 10/19-10/27: Thu 9 PM, Fri 11 PM.
R Tennessee Speaks in Tongues for You (or The 3-1/2-Character Play) New Orleans-based playwright R.J. Tsarov’s fantasia on the work of Tennessee Williams–directed by filmmaker John McNaughton (Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer)–offers a witty send-up of the tantrum-prone, alcohol- and drug-addled Williams of the late 70s and early 80s. Stealing a page from William S. Burroughs (another drug-using gay writer from Saint Louis), Tsarov wrings every paranoid interpretation he can out of the provocative premise that Williams is infected by a parasite with the power to control his thoughts, feelings, and speech–an alien presence that also serves as a metaphor for artistic creation. The two other characters in the piece are an abnormally close brother and sister (refugees from Williams’s The Two-Character Play). This Gordian knot of a script makes for a rich postmodern evening of puzzles, and the actors perform with intensity and commitment. (JHe) a Through 10/28: Sat 9:30 PM.
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Jeffrey Bivens.
