Desire Under The Elms

Goodman Theatre rings in the New Year with an eight-play landmark theatrical event, A Global Exploration: Eugene O'Neill in the 21st Century curated by Artistic Director Robert Falls, January 7 through March 8, 2009. Over 100 artists from six theater companies around the world bring their highly contemporary, inventive interpretations of O'Neill's dramas for the Goodman's Exploration-viewing the 20th century "father of the American drama," through a 21st century international lens. 

"A Global Exploration: Eugene O'Neill in the 21st Century is an unprecedented look at the work of the playwright who I consider to be America's Shakespeare- Eugene O'Neill," said Artistic Director Robert Falls. "There is a perception of O'Neill as a realistic writer, but many of his plays suggest staging that is perhaps more avant-garde, more modern, more contemporary. I'm delighted to present this rare opportunity to experience O'Neill's most daring, influential and superb dramas as interpreted by some of the world's leading theater companies."

Participating companies include: The Wooster Group's (New York) The Emperor Jones; Companhia Triptal's (Brazil) Homens Ao Mar (three Sea Plays); The Hypocrites' (Chicago) The Hairy Ape; Toneelgroep's (Amsterdam) Rouw Siert Electra; and The Neo-Futurists' (Chicago) Strange Interlude. The centerpiece of the Exploration is Falls' new interpretation of Desire Under the Elms, featuring Brian Dennehy, Carla Gugino and Pablo Schreiber. Both of the Goodman's mainstages will be engaged for this eight-play Exploration. Desire Under the Elms (January 17 - February 22) will be performed in the 856-seat Albert Ivar Theatre. The 400-seat flexible Owen Bruner Theatre will be transformed seven times, custom-designed to host performances by five visiting companies, beginning with The Emperor Jones (January 7 – 11). 

For tickets call 312-443-3800 or visit GoodmanTheatre.org.  Save 20% with an O'Neill Explorer Pass, which includes tickets to all seven Owen  Theatre productions for $124 (Desire Under the Elms not included).