THE HAIRY APE

by Eugene O’Neill
directed by Monty Cole

 This smash-hit show is returning for 2 weeks at Theater On the Lake!

Admission is FREE in Public Access Theatre™
Oracle is honored to remount THE HAIRY APE as part of the 2016 Theater On the Lake season.

July 6 – July 17, 2016
Wednesday-Saturday nights at 7:30PM
Sunday matinees at 2:30PM
Performances are at Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

For ticket information, visit Theater On the Lake or call 312-742-7994

 

Check out this interview with director Monty Cole, conducted by Isaac Gomez, dramaturg. 

ABOUT THE PLAY

Director Monty Cole makes his Oracle debut with an ensemble of six African-American actors portraying multiple roles to tackle O’Neill’s harrowing, expressionistic critique of class stratification. Yank is the master of his world, shoveling coal on an ocean liner. But when a wealthy woman descends to see life on the lower decks, their encounter propels Yank from the close confines of the engine room and onto the streets of New York City, where he seeks validation, belonging and revenge. Cole’s charged staging will capture the caged mind of a young black man yearning to belong. Oracle’s production examines O’Neill’s work through the lens of America’s ugly legacy of racism and oppression, asking the audience to engage in a conversation that is deeply connected to recent events in Chicago and across the country.

Cole notes, “I think what I related to the most in re-visiting APE was seeing this man who doesn’t belong even as a hard-working, functioning cog in society. It isn’t enough – Yank is squeezed out of existence. He feels as though he’s one of the best of his species until he’s told he’s barely human. He is feared and misunderstood and thus barely worthy of living.”

ABOUT THEATER ON THE LAKE

Theater on the Lake is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Arts programming in neighborhoods across the city advances the goals of the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Cultural Plan. Now in its fourth year, the 2016 Night Out in the Parks series will host over 1,000 events and programs at more than 250 neighborhood parks throughout the city, making community parks a safe haven and hubs of activity. Projects will vary from traditional performances and concerts, to movies, peace rallies, community workshops, nature based programs, dance pieces, festivals, and more. The Chicago Park District has partnered with more than 120 arts and community organizations to expand and produce this successful initiative. Download the My Chi Parks app for details on all upcoming events!

 

ORIGINAL RUN

January 23 – March 12, 2016
ASL Interpreted performance on February 20, 2016. To reserve your seats, please email havalah.grace@publicaccesstheatre.org
Captioned performances on February 29 or March 11, 2016.

Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux.

CAST

Julian Parker as Yank
Bradford Stevens as Paddy
Rashaad Hall as Long   (Rasell Holt during Theater On the Lake run)
Tony Santiago* as Mildred
Michael Turrentine as Mildred’s Aunt   (Johnard Washington* during Theater On the Lake run)
Breon Arzell as Secretary, Yank understudy

Rasell Holt is Ensemble understudy

PRODUCTION TEAM

Written by Eugene O’Neill
Directed by Monty Cole

Costume Design – Joan Pritchard*
Scenic Design –  Eleanor Kahn
Lighting Design – John Kelly
Sound Design – Jeffrey Levin
Mask Design – DeChantel Kosmatka*
Fight Choreographer – Zach Livingston
Choreographer – Breon Arzell

Production Manager – Lauren Yarbrough
Associate Production Manager – Alicia Hynes
Technical Director – Justin Snyder*
Stage Manager – Adia Alli
Stage Manager (Theater On the Lake) – Stacey Klingberg
Dramaturg – Isaac Gomez
Assistant Director – Micheal Trzos
Graphic Design – Evelyn DeHais
Resident Photographer – Joe Mazza bravelux.com
Videographer – Jonathan Broeker

Brad Jayhan-Little* is Executive Director
Ben Fuchsen* is Executive Producer

* denotes Oracle Company Member