Oedipus

Artistic Director Sean Graney's original adaptation of Sophocles' Oedipus will close The Hypocrites' spectacular 12th season. In reference to his passion for adapting and directing Oedipus, Graney explains: "By highlighting commonly overlooked aspects of the original, this new adaptation tells the story of a compassionate, albeit arrogant, leader whose zealous desire to heal his people brings about his own demise."

Featuring a cast of three in multiple roles, this new adaptation transforms the traditional role of the chorus. "I'm interested in how the audience can fulfill the responsibilities of the chorus," says Graney. For example, Graney's promenade style staging allows the audience to move around freely and explore multiple perspectives on the action.

Sean Graney, Founder and Artistic Director of The Hypocrites, received the NEA/TCG Career Development for Directors grant, two Joseph Jefferson Citations, and an After Dark Award for Best Original Play (The 4thGraders Present an Unnamed Love Suicide). He was named Chicago's Best Avant-Garde Director by Chicago Magazine and Chicagoan of the Year (in Theatre) from the Chicago Tribune.

The cast of three are all company members of The Hypocrites. Steve Wilson was last seen by Hypocrites' audiences in Eugene Ionesco's The Bald Soprano. Last year, he made his directorial debut at A Red Orchid and has worked as an actor with The House, Griffin , New Leaf and most recently for LiveWire's premiere of Eric Bogosian's Red Angel. Stacy Stolz's roles with The Hypocrites include The Woman in 4.48 Psychosis at the Steppenwolf Garage, Mrs. Gibbs in Our Town, and Miss Julie in Miss Julie. She most recently appeared in The Hairy Ape at the Goodman and performed Off-Broadway in The 4thGraders Present an Unnamed Love Suicide. Halena Kays is currently pursuing her MFA in directing at the University of Texas-Austin. Halena was last seen on stage in Fair Use at Steppenwolf and her most recent role for The Hypocrites was Mae in Mud.

Founded in 1997, The Hypocrites create bold productions that defy expectations. By turning theater inside out and redefining the traditional role of the audience, The Hypocrites are recognized as groundbreakers in the world's premiere theater city. The company has grown significantly in the past few years, receiving acclaim for both The Threepenny Opera and The Hairy Ape, produced in association with Goodman Theatre as part of its O'Neill Festival. The company's smash-hit Chicago production of Our Town, directed by David Cromer, recently transferred to Off-Broadway where it has received rave reviews during its New York run (currently extended through September 27th, 2009). The company's season features three mainstage productions, often presenting classics in a new light through innovative interpretation and staging.

Oedipus opens on May 31 at 7:30pm at The Building Stage, 412 N. Carpenter Street . The production runs until July 12 with Thursday-Saturday performances at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $20-25 and can be purchased by calling 773.989.7352 or visiting www.the-hypocrites.com.