Remy Bumppo Theatre Company presents The Island, Athol Fugard's gripping prison drama, Jan. 27 through March 7, 2010 in the Upstairs Mainstage of the Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue. Preview performances begin Wednesday, Jan. 27 with opening night Sunday, Jan. 31 at 7:00 p.m.

"Yes, they'll laugh. But who cares about that as long as they laugh in the beginning and listen at the end. That's all we want them to do...listen at the end!" - John, The Island

John and Winston are cellmates in an unnamed prison based on the one where Nelson Mandela was held. They spend their days doing back-breaking labor, and their nights rehearsing Sophocles' Antigone to present to their fellow inmates. When John learns his sentence is being reduced, the men's friendship is tested. Fugard parallels Antigone's fight against political and patriarchal boundaries with the imprisoned men's fight for their dignity. The Island is a testament to the resiliency of the human heart.

The Island cast features guest artists LaShawn Banks and Kamal Angelo Bolden , and is directed by Remy Bumppo Artistic Director James Bohnen. Set design is by Tim Morrison, costume design by Rachel Laritz, lighting design by JR Lederle, sound design by Victoria Delorio and properties design by Nick Heggestad.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Court Theatre, and TimeLine Theatre Company present three of Athol Fugard's bravest plays in 2010. The lineup begins with TimeLine's production of 'Master Harold'...and the Boys (Jan. 20 - March 21), followed by Remy Bumppo's The Island (Jan. 27 - March 7, 2010) and concludes with Court Theatre's production of Sizwe Banzi is Dead (May 13 - June 13, 2010). Remy Bumppo, Court and TimeLine, with support from the League of Chicago Theaters, have launched www.fugardchicago2010.org , a collaborative website to promote Chicago's season of Fugard. The website offers information about the playwright, ticket information for all three productions, and links to each theatre's website where further information about the individual productions can be found.  In addition, the site offers theatre-goers a 3-play pass for $75 as well as the opportunity to sign-up for a 20% discount on individual tickets and behind-the-scenes news about the productions and playwright.