Hephaestus

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues its 20th Anniversary Season with the triumphant return of the previously sold-out hit, Hephaestus: A Greek Mythology Circus Tale. The world’s elite circus performers, including veteran members of the Wallenda Family, Ringling Bros. and Cirque du Soleil, return to Chicago’s Water Tower Works for Hephaestus. A world premiere hit for Lookingglass in 2005, Hephaestus is a must-see circus theatre event. Evocative storytelling, amazing athleticism and the very highest levels of circus artistry bring the ancient Greek myth of Hephaestus to the high wire in this death-defying circus retelling created by renowned circus artist Tony Hernandez and Lookingglass Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman.

According to Greek Myth, Hephaestus was born weak, disfigured and crippled. Displeased by the sight of her son, Hera cast Hephaestus from the heavens, and he fell for an entire day before landing in the sea. On Earth, Hephaestus became a great artist, fashioning metal into beautiful works of art. Combining elements of circus, theatre, live music and dance, Hephaestus: A Greek Mythology Circus Tale follows the god of the forge as he encounters sea nymphs, creates men out of steel and falls in love with the most beautiful goddess of all.

“The return of Hephaestus to Lookingglass celebrates both the Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Season and its commitment to producing dynamic and daring physical works,” says Lookingglass Artistic Associate and Hephaestus co-conceiver Tony Hernandez. “Hephaestus is a both beautiful, and literal, example of theatre without a net.”

Hephaestus: A Greek Mythology Circus Tale will run January 9 – February 24, 2008 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower Works. Tickets are available at www.lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at 312-337-0665.