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A Chicago Shakespeare Theater World’s Stage Premiere

Since I Suppose

A Pedestrian Theatrical Journey through Downtown Chicago

From Australia’s one step at a time like this

Commissioned by and Created with Chicago Shakespeare Theater

August 28–September 21, 2014


Chicago—August 18, 2014Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) pushes the boundaries of theatrical expression with modern technology in the world premiere of the site-responsive pedestrian experience Since I Suppose. The Melbourne-based artists one step at a time like this, who astonished audiences and critics alike with the urban journey en route (2011), return to Chicago with this World’s Stage Series presentation commissioned by and created with Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, Since I Suppose incorporates digital technologies, city locales and its inhabitants on a journey through downtown Chicago for a limited engagement August 28–September 21, 2014.

Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure serves as a framework for this fresh exploration, moving the audience through places of power, prayer and pleasure in downtown Chicago. Both theatrical techniques and technology will be used to explore the timeless themes of morality, love and governance that pervade the source material. Since I Suppose will chiefly employ screen-based technologies, along with game design, on-line chat and augmented reality.

Each of the travelers who go on the journey borrow a specially programmed Motorola Moto G smartphone loaded with custom applications and media, which serves as the navigational tool of their excursion. This technology fuses live interaction with performers and ‘found’ clues and objects to guide participants along urban pathways, framed by the perspective of key characters from Measure for Measure. The audience walks the streets of the City accompanied by scenes, sounds and commentaries as they navigate the boundaries of the real and the fictional worlds around them.

The artists of one step at a time like this are creators of participatory and site-responsive works with a digital media component. Since I Suppose is a logical development and extension of two key areas of the company’s interest—theater form and poetic language. Chicago Shakespeare’s partnership with one step… began with their 2011 production of en route, which opened CST’s 25th Anniversary season and enjoyed a four-week extension by popular demand. Presented in association with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, en route was the centerpiece of Chicago’s 2011 summer tourism initiative, Urban Excursions: Explore Chicago.

By combining CST’s expertise in producing bold productions of Shakespeare’s canon with one step at a time like this’ innovative theatrical expression, Since I Suppose elevates Shakespeare into a modern, accessible experience and demonstrates the power of art communicated through technology. In this undertaking, Chicago Shakespeare’s tradition of work with international artists comes together in a co-production with one of the world’s pioneers in devised, participatory theater.

Since I Suppose is presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Richard Jordan Productions Ltd., in association with Melbourne Festival and Arts House. Since I Suppose will be performed August 28–September 21, Wednesdays through Sundays with staggered start times. Tickets go on sale Monday, August 18 for $45–$75 and can only be purchased by calling the CST Box Office at 312.595.5600. For more information, see www.chicagoshakes.com/sinceisuppose.

 

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company and the recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary production of classics, new works and family fare; to unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and to serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. Through a year-round season encompassing more than 600 performances, CST attracts 200,000 audience members annually. One in four of its audience members is under eighteen years old, and today its education programs have impacted the learning of over one million students. CST is proud to take an active role in empowering the next generation of literate, engaged cultural champions and creative minds. Visit www.chicagoshakes.com.

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Contact Us
 

Hannah Kennedy
Director of Communications
hkennedy@chicagoshakes.com

Emma Perrin
Public Relations & Digital Media Manager
eperrin@chicagoshakes.com
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Media Office
312.667.4957

Cathy Taylor
cathy@cathytaylorpr.com
Cathy Taylor Public Relations
773.564.9564

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
on Navy Pier
800 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

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