Bach at Leipzig

Writers’ Theatre is set to continue its 15th season with Itamar Moses’ highly acclaimed, Bach at Leipzig, which will be directed by Nick Bowling. Already extended, the production is set to run at Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe from January 23 to April 1.

The play takes place in Germany in 1722, where seven musicians are invited to apply for the prestigious and lucrative post of organist at the Thomaskirche. Insecurities, shortfalls of talent and wildly clashing ideologies collide, creating marvelously farcical complications in a wild and witty exploration of the nature of music, ambition and art. Written by one of the nation’s foremost young playwrights, this deft and vibrant play draws its inspiration from historical events while taking much delight in its fictional fights of fancy.

Director Nick Bowling is making his debut at Writers’ Theatre. He is the Founding Artistic Director of TimeLine Theatre Company and directed the inaugural production of Summit Conference. Most recently he directed the company’s production of The Children’s Hour.

“This experience offers a series of alluring firsts for me,” says director Nick Bowling. “I get to explore a whole new group of artists. I will be working with almost everyone in the cast for the first time, and this is some case! It’s extremely exciting.” He adds, “I am also thrilled to be working at Writers’ for the first time and for a new audience who may be unfamiliar with my work.”

Bach at Leipzig was originally produced in New York City by New York Theatre Workshop and originally produced at the Hanger Theatre, Ithaca, New York, July 2002. The play was further developed at Florida Stages, Manalapan, Florida December 2002 and New York Stage and Film at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, July 2004.