Tug Of War: Foreign Fire
Edward III, Henry V, Henry VI, Part 1
May 11
June 12, 2016
at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by William Shakespeare
adapted and directed by Barbara Gaines
May 11
June 12, 2016
at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by William Shakespeare
adapted and directed by Barbara Gaines
All-American Shakespeare in the best possible sense, at once unabashedly populist in style and unswervingly serious in artistic purpose.
The Wall Street Journal
A bold and magnificent venture… this gripping take on the history plays is rocking Chicago
The Guardian (UK)
Get ready for the ultimate game of thrones... Artistic Director Barbara Gaines takes us on a riveting gallop through two centuries, distilling six Shakespeare masterworks into two action-packed dramas that trace the rise and fall of kings, and the uncommon courage of common men. Power plays, ego, lust, humor and, yes, even love: no writer surpassed Shakespeare in portraying the forces that drive leaders to war—or the wisdom and valor of the common soldier. Twenty-two actors including a four-member band, form the company that will satisfy your craving for a multi-episode immersion into some of the most brilliant stories of the cyclical human condition. The adventure begins with Edward III, Henry V and Henry VI, Part 1 in Foreign Fire, where France is the prize. The action continues in Fall 2016 when turmoil seizes England in Tug of War: Civil Strife.
Video: Tug of War: Foreign Fire Montage
Video: Meet the Company
Video: Creating "Tug of War"
"Boldly drawn, slashingly direct and as fast-moving as an arrow whizzing toward its target..." raves The Wall Street Journal.
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The award-winning director of over 30 of Shakespeare's plays, Gaines strives to make his great works accessible to Chicago and the world.
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CST strives to make our facility and performances accessible to all patrons. Our staff is ready to help in any way possible.
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Creative Team
Barbara Gaines Director / Adaptor
Scott Davis Scenic Designer
Susan E. Mickey Costume Designer
Anthony Pearson Lighting Designer
Lindsay Jones Sound Design, Original Music and Musical Arrangements
Melissa Veal Wig and Make-up Designer
Matt Hawkins Fight Choreographer
Harrison McEldowney Movement
Larry Yando Verse Coach
Stuart Sherman Scholar in Residence
Matt Deitchman Music Director and Additional Musical Arrangements
Geoff Button Assistant Director
Eva Breneman Dialect Coach
Cast
Karen Aldridge Countess of Salisbury / Westmoreland / Jamy / Alice / Chorus / Alanson / Lucy / Margaret
David Darlow Robert of Artois / Constable of France / Bishop of Winchester
Matt Deitchman Soldier / Musician
Jed Feder Soldier / Musician
Neil Friedman King David of Scotland / Polonian Captain / French Captain / Gower / Salisbury / Burgundy / Mayor
Kevin Gudahl King John / Michael Williams / Warwick / Ensemble
Shanna Jones Soldier / Musician
Heidi Kettenring Queen Phillipa / MacMorris / Young York / Princess / Katherine of France / Joan la Pucelle
Daniel Kyri Prince Phillip / Soldier Sam / Bastard of Orleance / Soldier Nate
Michael Aaron Lindner Warwick / Ely / Fluellen / Humphrey
James Newcomb Derby / Douglas / Blue Cap Mariner / Mountjoy / Talbot
Barbara Robertson King of Bohemia / Exeter / Reignier / Countess d'Overgne
Freddie Stevenson Edward III / Ghost of Edward III / Orleance / King Charles VII
Steven Sutcliffe Lodowick / Archbishop of Canterbury / Dauphin / Henry VI
John Tufts Lorraine / Henry V / Ghost of Henry V / Suffolk / Ensemble
Alex Weisman Red Cap Soldier / Bedford / Prince Phillip / Young John Talbot
Tahirah Whittington Soldier / Musician
Dominique Worsley Prince Edward / Ghost of Prince Edward / Rambures / Somerset / Pope's Legate
Larry Yando Audley / King Charles VI / John Bates / Richard of York