The Library Theatre – Words Spill from Classic Page to Tiny Stage
Chicago - March 24, 2006 - The Classics come to life in the 60-seat library at Feltre, a center for the study of language and literature at 22 W. Erie St. in Chicago's bustling River North neighborhood. With the help of Ina Marlowe, former Organic/Touchstone Theater Artistic Director, Feltre is taking classic works of literature and staging them in their intimate and charming library. Surrounded by books, the setting offers patrons an intimate theatrical experience with lesser known theatrical literature.
“We have always focussed on the power of language,” said Lawrence Lenza, Assistant Director at Feltre and Executive Director of The Library Theatre. “We teach adults how to write, using the classical Trivium, updated to suit our time. We also teach courses in the humanities, and were frustrated with the limitations that we encountered, because it's one thing to read Oedipus Rex, and it's entirely different to hear and see it performed. I was fortunate enough to meet Ina.”
Ina Marlowe was completing her 20 years at the helm of Organic Touchstone Theaters, when she met Lenza. “I was looking for a unique venue to host a staged reading/benefit for Organic, and I had heard about this jewel of a library with a small stage, tucked away on the near north side. I was intrigued. I have always approached my work from a literary perspective. The audience at our old theatre on Halsted loved the sense of intimacy. The library had even more intimacy as well as an atmosphere conducive for discussing the ideas of the play with a small group of patrons.” says Marlowe, Artistic Director of The Library Theatre.
Larry and Ina launched “In the Library Theater” last fall and presented three staged readings, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Ghosts by Ibsen, and Desire under the Elms by O'Neill. The response to the readings was overwhelming. All of the performances were sold out and the actors, who participated in the readings, Tony Mockus, Bill Norris, Cynthia Judge, and Maureen Gallagher, were enthusiastic about the new venture. Marlowe and Lenza found that there was an audience with a passion for classical theatre who would enjoy it presented in an intimate setting.
This spring, Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6 at 7:30 and Sunday, May 7 at 2:30, The Library Theatre will mount its first full production, An Evening of Tennessee Williams One Acts followed by a discussion. The One Acts, This Property is Condemned and Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen by Tennessee Williams, will be directed by Ina Marlowe and will feature Jessica Honor Carleton and PJ Shoeny in This Property is Condemned and Cynthia Judge and Craig Bryant in Talk to me like the rain and let me listen. During the rehearsal process, artist Gay Riseborough will sketch the actors as they rehearse. These sketches will be on display during the run of the play. Greg Spero will compose incidental music, the set is designed by Angela Campos, Audrey Kentor designs the lights and the cosatumes are designed by Spencer Beard.
This fall, The Library Theatre will present Ionesco's Exit the King and spring will feature Noel Coward's Fallen Angels. For tickets and further information please call Feltre at 312-255-1133.