This third annual showcase of avant-garde theater in Chicago (with a taste of Kansas City for good measure) is coordinated by Scott Turner, Valerie Turner, Jim Krulish, and John Oartel–with a bow to Salvador Dali, whose use of the term “rhinocerontic” (it means real big) inspired the event’s name. It runs August 21 through 29 and features 18 companies in 20 different at three locations in the area around North and Damen avenues: Latino Chicago Theater Company (the Firehouse, 1625 N. Damen); the Curious Theatre Branch (1900 W. North); and Theatre of the Reconstruction (the Garage, 1843 W. North). The phone number for all Rhino Fest information is 235-1944. Except where noted otherwise, performances are priced at $7 per ticket, $25 for four tickets, $36 for-six tickets, or $50 for ten tickets. Following is the schedule for August 21 through 27:
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MEDEA Revenge is tasty for the title character, a sorceress who punishes her unfaithful husband by serving him his children on a plate. Euripides’ tragedy is performed by Steele Productions, whose specialty is fusing movement, mask, and puppetry techniques. (Curious Theatre Branch, 8 PM)
THE SELECTION Ted de Moniak adopts a 19th-century declamatory style to perform portions of Indecent Exposure, by South African satirist Tom Sharpe. Special Theater Oobleck price: $4, “free if you’re broke” (all Rhino Fest tickets and reservations honored). (Theatre of the Reconstruction, 8 PM)
DANCING NAKED ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN No, it’s not about Tipper Gore freaking out in November. Donna Blue Lachman’s autobiographical “spiritual travelogue” includes reminiscences of LSD experimentation, the 1968 Democratic convention, the (last) Gulf war, and other stops along the author-performer’s “mythic journey.” Presented by Blue Rider Theatre. (Latino Chicago, 8 PM)
THE SELECTION See listing under Friday, August 21. Special Theater Oobleck price: $4, “free if you’re broke” (all Rhino Fest tickets and reservations honored). (Theatre of the Reconstruction, 10 PM)
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
