Theatre Seven announces The Water Engine
Theatre Seven of Chicago begins its 2010-11 season with a revival of David Mamet's 1977 radio play, The Water Engine: An American Fable, which opens November 1st at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Mamet's forgotten classic, set in a Chicago radio studio during the Century of Progress Exposition in 1934, paints themes of progress, science, myth and man's battle against the institution against a historical Chicago backdrop. Patrons can access tickets and information by calling (773) 404-7336 or visiting www.theatreseven.org.
In The Water Engine: An American Fable, an inventor named Charles Lang searches for a patent for his revolutionary engine, which runs exclusively on water and would eliminate the industrial stronghold on the American economy. Ultimately, Lang's quest for scientific progress, told by Mamet through the device of a live radio play, reveals an ugly side of Chicago not advertised at the Century of Progress Exposition.
According to Artistic Director Brian Golden, the play's opening on Election Night Eve is no accident.
"In addition to its high entertainment value and typically precise dialogue, The Water Engine is one of Mamet's most political plays," says Golden. "He explores, in just an hour, the tension between science and faith, the battle of the individual against the institution, and the struggles of environmental reform." The production runs through December 5th.
The cast will feature 10 actors playing over 40 speaking roles, employing the tools of a radio play. The cast includes Lindsey Pearlman, Cody Proctor, Brett Lee, Jess Thigpen, Travis Williams, Alina Taber, and Theatre Seven company members Cassy Sanders, George Zerante, Dan McArdle and Brian Stojak. The design team includes Theatre Seven veterans John Wilson, Justin Wardell, Brenda Winstead and newcomer Mike Przygoda.
"As our politicians continue to speak in the vague terms of Progress, Hope and Change, real progress and change is often hard to come by," says Golden. "The Water Engine unearths the empty promise of American capitalism."
Other projects in Theatre Seven of Chicago's 5th season include June's The Chicago Landmark Project, featuring 10 World Premiere plays about specific Chicago landmarks, five installments of Shikaakwa, Theatre Seven's free reading series featuring plays about roots and heritage, and Overflow, the company's third annual benefit, which took place September 25th at the Mars Gallery. Information on all Theatre Seven programs is available at www.theatreseven.org or by calling 773-853-3158.