"We are not done, young man!"
QUIXOTE: ON THE CONQUEST OF SELF
What's the buzz ... the highly-anticipated U.S. Premiere at Writers Theatre, written by Mónica Hoth and Claudio Valdés Kuri, who also directs a new English translation by Georgina Escobar, starring Henry Godinez.
What’s it about … this is a grand story of episodic adventure of chivalric truths and knights-errant, all of which explode out of the pages of a book, written in two parts with seventy-four chapters about the life lessons realized by one man at significant points in his journey..
Why you should go ... there is and will remain a lot of curiosity about Quixote: On the Conquest of Self and how it unfolds, and rightly so. This is a masterful evening of theatre at which all you need to know is provided for you in the magnificent performance of Mr. Godinez who throughout the long format, one-act piece brings the story -- and some unsuspecting audience members as characters -- to life. Part narrator, historian, interpreter, impassioned lover of Dulcinea and a courageous warrior whose ultimate existence depends on our ability to keep his story alive.
What stands out ... all great fictional stories require our imagination and we are best served when the story is compellingly told by a consummate storyteller. Sanja Manakoski has created an ingeniously adaptable costume design. The look of this starkly staged production is beautifully enhanced by the lighting of Alexander Ridgers.
What is the takeaway ... we all have a story to tell and only we can tell it. The only true failure is not to have tried. There is much more.
It all sounds rather secretive ... and it is. Fight the urge to find out more about this production in advance. Be prepared to be awestruck and moved, but not surprised by the talents of one of Chicago's most accomplished actors. You will be very glad that you did.
Photos|Michael Brosilow