The 20 companies in this first-time event (presented in conjunction with the fifth annual Bucktown Arts Fest) may not define the state of avant-garde theater on Chicago, but they offer a look at the diverse visions that operate under that very loose category. Performances are held at three venues: the Garage, 1843 W. North; the Firehouse, 1625 N. Damen; and the Society for New Things, 1573 N. Milwaukee. (A symposium on “The Effect of Avant Theatre in Chicago,” whose panelists include Reader contributors Anthony Adler, Lawrence Bommer, and Albert Williams, will be held on Monday, August 20, at the Firehouse.) In addition to the 22 different shows presented in the nine-day “Rhino Fest,” an afternoon Free Theatre Festival on August 25 and 26 will present three additional plays plus repeat performances of three “Rhino Fest” selections at the Holstein Park field house, 2200 N. Oakley. The telephone number for all theater events is 235-1944. Single-ticket admission to “Rhino Fest” shows costs $7; package prices are $25 for four tickets, $36 for six, and $50 for ten. This week’s schedule follows.
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OPEN SYZYGY–SOME MADRAS PARABLES See the regular theater listings for a description of this performance piece. At the Society for New Things, August 17; Friday, 10 PM.
MOBY DICK Redmoon Theater’s 40-minute puppet play by Jeff Dorchen and Blair Thomas, based on Herman Melville’s novel, is “exciting and innovative,” says Reader critic Mary Shen Barnidge. At the Garage, August 18; Saturday, 3 PM.
OLD TIMES The Sterling Theatre Company performs the Harold Pinter drama. At the Garage, August 19; Sunday, 8 PM. Then at the Society for New Things, August 21; Tuesday, 8 PM.
