Theatre News Wire

Polarity Ensemble Theatre presents the world premiere of playwright Bryce Wissel's madcap space romp Ephemera, March 22 through May 1, directed by ensemble member Laura Sturm, featuring a "site-specific installation" by Chicago multi-medium artist lewis lain. Polarity Ensemble Theatre is in residence at Wicker Park's Josephinum Academy. The theater is located at the 1500 N. Bell Street entrance.

When a talking monkey appears in the airlock of the space station Ephemera, the crew learns they may be the last defense of planet Earth. Bryce Wissel's zany comedy features a tortured love triangle, a mariachi-singing robot, and the threat of interstellar combat with an unknowable enemy.

"This play is going to be an immersive experience from the time you walk into the lobby," says director Laura Sturm. "We're going to have actors playing androids who will be meeting and greeting and escorting people into the spaceship Ephemera, where they will be watching the play. So it's like the audience will be actually, literally participating in the adventures. The actors frequently talk to the audience, and so we just thought that that was a natural extension."

"My intention is to create a site-specific installation," says artist-in-residence lewis lain, referring to his unified design of set, props and costumes. "I paint a moving picture with the visual design-an artistic exhibition that maintains the themes of the play and the vision of the director in a uniquely stylized fashion. Actors will interact within the installation in an unpredictable fashion and still maintain the overall look of the 'painting,' allowing it to re-enforce the story independently. Given that Ephemera means 'a class of collectable items not originally intended to last,' cardboard seemed to be a logical choice for the composition of this world," he continues. "To create a unity of concept, every non-structural piece of the installation will be made from cardboard: bottles, lasers, flowers. And the installation will encompass not just the stage, but the entire space. Even the lounge will be utilized for an exhibition space for a new series of paintings and sculptures that further reinforce the design."

Ephemera first appeared in Polarity Ensemble Theatre's 2008 Dionysos Cup Festival of New Plays and was further developed through workshop readings with the company.

Previews begin March 22nd, with press opening on Thursday, March 24th and a Gala Premiere Night Friday, March 25. Tickets are $10 for previews, $19 for regular run, and $35 for Gala Premiere Night which includes a post-show reception. Senior discount tickets (age 65 and older) are $15, and student discount tickets are $10 with valid ID. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Seating is general admission. For tickets and more information visit www.petheatre.com or call the box office at 800-838-3006.