Steppenwolf Theatre Company Blog – Chicago Theater, World-Class Ensemble

This weekend marks the closing of Elliot, a Soldier’s Fugue and the opening of Sonia Flew. Elliot is being presented in the Garage Theatre through Steppenwolf’s Visiting Company Initiative and the production is a partnership between Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and Teatro Vista. The show features three Teatro Vista ensemble members, Artistic Director Eddie Torres and ensemble members Juan Villa and Gustavo Mellado. Across the parking lot in our Downstairs Theatre two more Teatro Vista ensemble members, Sandra Marquez and Sandra Delgado, are appearing in Steppenwolf’s production of Sonia Flew.

These are enriching and enlivening creative relationships with members of another ensemble based company. We wish all involved with Elliot a good closing and say break a leg to all of the Sonia Flew actors.

So here we are going into our final weeks of Elliot. If you haven’t seen this co-production with Rivendell Theater Ensemble please check us out! I would love to read your comments, having served in the military myself and coming from a military family. My father served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and my brother retired from the Air Force about eight years ago. I can draw from my own personal experience, and from those whom I have come to know who have served their country honorably.

As an actor this play was very challenging but also very moving to be a part of. It’s about connection and the lack thereof. What I mean by this is that in order for the play to reveal the story of the Ortiz family, the characters reveal their own personal experiences through a series of letters and monologues that are indirectly related to each other and the audience. The inability of the Ortiz family to share their experiences with each other is tragic. The only time that there is a connection between actors in a scene is between “Pops” and his wife “Ginny”. I find myself backstage every night listening and focusing on certain monologues and scenes in order to feel connected to the play. But it is a refreshing experience to do so because you must focus on the story in order to be in the moment. Sounds easy but I guarantee it is not.

It amazing how the story of the Ortiz family unfolds quickly and simply. Just as a Fugue does. But it is a human story being told in a time of never ending conflict. A story that needs to be heard.

Eddie Torres aka Pops
Teatro Vista

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to share with you all the joy and honor it has been to be apart of the Steppenwolf Visiting Company Initiative. As many of you already know Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue opened last week at the Garage. I play the role of Pops, Elliot’s Dad. This a Co-Pro between Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and Teatro Vista. I’m proud to be a member of TV and proud to be part of a city that has nurtured and supported ensemble theatre companies. It’s no wonder why I feel so at home here. The Steppenwolf Production staff and Artistic staff have been extremely involved in supporting our ensembles. It has also been rewarding and a wonderful experience working with Rivendell. We have learned a lot about how we produce, and how we approach work artistically. No two ensembles are the same, but when they come together to tell such a unique and powerful story such as Elliot. Look out! (more…)

Often actors are called upon to learn new skills for a production. Juan Villa, who plays the title role in Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue, recently visited the Great Lakes Naval Station in preparation for his role. There he was trained by weapon instructor (GM2-select-Carman) in how to hold and use an M-16 in order to be able to realistically enact a scene in which Elliot, stationed in Iraq, is encountering hostiles. The visit was arranged by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Ruiz who is serving as military consultant to the show.

Steppenwolf’s Visiting Company Initiative provides the opportunity for other Chicago theater companies to present work in all three of our theaters. These residencies are supported by the artists and staff at Steppenwolf. In creating relationships with Visiting Companies, Steppenwolf enriches the artistic dialogue among its artists and audiences.

We are very pleased to announce our two visiting company productions for the 2006/2007 season. The first offering is a co-production between Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and Teatro Vista.  Elliott (A Soldier’s Fugue) by Quiara Alegria Hudes will perform in the Garage Theatre from November 2nd thru December 10th. The play traces the legacy of war through three generations of a Puerto Rican family, as seen through a woman’s lens. Elliot, a young marine, has returned home from Iraq with a Purple Heart, the memory of his first kill and the pain of his physical wounds.

The second offering, presented by 500 Clown, will be seen in the Upstairs Theatre. The company will be remounting two previously produced productions, 500 Clown Macbeth and 500 Clown Frankenstein. In 500 Clown Macbeth, three clowns descend upon a stage to perform Shakespeare’s Scottish Play. Infected by ambition, they compete for the role of Macbeth. In the process, the clowns destroy the text, the set, and eventually each other. In 500 Clown Frankenstein, three clowns arrive onstage to tell the story of Frankenstein. Challenging costumes, poor lighting, difficult language and an ornery table prevent them from properly telling Mary Shelley’s classic tale. The result is the creation of unexpected horror. The shows will run in repertory from June 14th thru July 29th, 2007.

We look forward to welcoming this talented and diverse group of artists to Steppenwolf!