For the first time in Lookingglass’ history, audiences are invited to go behind the scenes and experience its new play development program, gglassworks, with the inaugural GglassFest. Attendees will have the opportunity to see how the Lookingglass Ensemble proposes new work to one another, to preview stories coming to the Lookingglass stage, and to participate in the process by sharing their thoughts and experiences around the material with Lookingglass staff.
Lookingglass has produced 70 world premiere plays to date, the majority of which were created by ensemble members and artistic associates through its year-round new play development program, gglassworks. Created by the ensemble, shepherded by many makers through many years, gglassworks is currently guided by Ensemble Member and Creative Producer – New Engagements Kareem Bandealy and ushers new productions through a multi-phase process.
“What is it we do here at Lookingglass? The simplest way I can say what I think it is? ‘We Make New,’” said Ensemble Member & Creative Producer – New Engagements Kareem Bandealy. “ I think that’s what we do. It’s a succinct summary of our core values: Collaboration, Invention and Transformation.”
GglassFest Line Up:
September 5 at 6pm – Sophia Hayden Deserves Better
Written by Stephanie Alison Walker
Directed by Wendy Mateo
In 1891 a brilliant 23-year-old woman won an architecture contest to design the Woman’s Building for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. What should have been the start to a flourishing career in architecture became career-ending. Throughout the two-year process of building The Woman’s Building, the architect quietly endured bullying, micromanaging and undermining until she finally spoke up. In a time when women were defined as physically and intellectually weaker than men, her concerns were not only not heard, but she was sent to a sanitarium. Diagnosed with melancholia due to overexertion. Silenced. After the fair, her building was destroyed and she never built another building again. Her name was Sophia Hayden and she deserves better.
September 6 at 11am – But Many are the Stars
Written by Sara Gmitter
Co-Directed by Leslie Buxbaum-Danzig and Sara Gmitter
A group of Soviet female combat pilots fighting at the Eastern Front during WWII confront the limits of their personal and political power as they face the enemy in front of them, wondering who they can trust among them.
September 6 at 6pm – The Last Beyond
Written and Directed by Ike Holter
The Last Beyond is a new fantasy epic following the fight to save a world on the brink of collapse. A funny, sharp and R-rated look at the hero’s journey, destiny- and the fine print that’s written underneath accepting any call to adventure.
September 13 at 11am – Prince Hal
Written and Directed by J. Nicole Brooks
Prince Hal is inspired by the life and political legacy of Chicago’s Mayor Harold Washington. Using choreography, oral history and spoken word to explore Hal’s rise to power, dealings with a contentious city council, and his untimely death.
September 13 at 6pm – Madame X
An immersive adaptation of Alexander Pushkin’s gothic thriller, The Queen of Spades
Written by Phil Smith
Co-Directed by Phil Smith and Louise Lamson
Who is really holding the cards at Madame X’s high stakes Gaming Parlor? Find out as Lookingglass unspools a feverish take of Alexander Pushkin’s unrivaled tale of gambling and the supernatural. Live music, jump scares, high rollers, sleep walkers, the living dead, and most importantly FUN, all combine into a one of a kind theatrical event.
