Next Theatre Company announces the first production of its 2012-13 Season,” Iphigenia 2.0” by Charles Mee at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. As director, Lookingglass Theatre’s David Kersnar brings his unique brand of physical theatre to the Next stage in “Iphigenia 2.0,” an exuberant and modern update of “Iphigenia at Aulis” by Euripides. The play is filled with pop culture references and music to frame the tragic ways in which history continues to repeat itself especially in times of war.
A great imperial power decides to go to battle, taking an action so wrong that it sets the empire on the road to complete self-destruction. Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek army, must prove to his uncertain troops that the dangerous battle they are about to undertake is righteous and worth of their bloodshed. Public opinion polls, a lust for fame and a world where the line between entertainment and news is blurred find a leader troubled and tormented with the decision to make his daughter the ultimate sacrifice.
The cast includes Rebecca Buller, Aaron Todd Douglas, Laura T. Fisher, Ricardo Gutierrez and Nick Vidal. The production team is made up of set design, Jacqueline and Rick Penrod; lighting design, Heather Gilbert; sound design, Rick Sims; and costume design, Marianna Czaszar.
Previews are Sept. 6-9; opening night is Sept. 11. Tickets and information are available at nexttheatre.org or by 847-475-1875 ext. 2.
The Next Theatre is located inside the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston, adjoining the Noyes street stop on the Evanston “el.” Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the theatre and at the Evanston Civic Center.