Idomeneus
by Roland Schimmelpffennig
August 18 - September 23, 2012
Sideshow Theatre Company
DCASE Storefront Theater
scenic designer Joe Schermoly
costume designer Kristen DeiTos
lighting designer Mac Vaughey
sound designers Christopher M. LaPorte and Michael Huey
"A promise is a promise. A promise is a promise."
Idomeneus, King of Crete, has killed his son. Or maybe not. Maybe he's let his son live, but angered the gods in doing so. Or maybe the person he thinks is his son is an imposter. Maybe his real son actually turned into a talking, shape-shifting sea-creature and is back to have a heart-to-heart. Or maybe it's all true, all at once. A kaleidoscope of monsters, mythmaking and sudden, striking humor, the U.S. premiere of Roland Schimmelpfennig’s smash-hit Idomeneus details the end of a war between nations and the beginning of a war between reason and superstition. Idomeneus makes a promise to the gods, and what comes next is a fractured, mythic tidal wave, brought to life with astounding theatricality by Sideshow's adventurous ensemble of storytellers.
Winner of 2013 Joseph Jefferson Award for ensemble
Press
CRITIC’S PICK!
"Distinctive, smart and emotionally resonant."
Chicago Tribune
"Highly recommended! Marvelous production... a brilliant hour-long work under the smart, sharp, fluid, innately musical direction of Jonathan L. Green."
Chicago Sun-Times
★★★★
"Director Jonathan L. Green and Sideshow’s creative team cook up a stylishly stylized U.S. premiere.... In Green’s sensitive staging, Schimmelpfennig’s hour-long play becomes an engrossing meditation on fate"
Time Out Chicago
Reader Recommended!
"An arresting and skillful use of choral speaking, stylized ensemble movement, and striking visual and sound design."
Chicago Reader
"Absolutely gorgeous... visually stunning and intellectually rich... a truly A-list production!"
Centerstage
"A stunning achievement... able direction and a rock-solid cast!"
Edge Chicago
"An often ingenious look at the wavering nature of myth and storytelling."
Sheridan Road Magazine
"Oh my gods, Idomeneus is a one-of-a-kind magnificent sonnet!"
Chicago Now
