The Silent Language By Miodrag Stanisavljevic @ TUTA Studio Theatre
"The Silent Language", a U.S. premiere, by Serbian playwright Miodrag Stanisavljevic, translated by Zoran Paunovic, is a highly musical and darkly comedic fairy tale. Written in the 1981, "The Silent Language" is an adaptation of an old Serbian folk tale originally called Nemusti Jezik. It follows the journey of a young village servant named Poor Gasho as he gains the ability to understand the "the silent language." As defined in this story, it is the language that only animals can speak and understand. On a larger scale, the script also speaks to the things we see and hear in everyday life, but fail to recognize due to our inabilities to listen and focus on details.
Stanisavljevic's structure is exciting and risky, marking a departure from the typical "alls-well-that-ends well" fairy tale structure. It's very open and at times, exposes the harsh realities of both good and evil. A large forest provides a backdrop for countless discoveries, facing your fears, and finding secrets in unexpected places.
"The Silent Language" will mark two big milestones at TUTA. It will be the U.S. premiere of a rarely produced Serbian play and it will mark the directorial debut at TUTA of their newly appointed Artistic Director, Jacqueline Stone. Stone, a co-founder and longtime company member, brings a wealth of experience and a unique understanding of TUTA's mission and desire to bring innovative international works to American audiences. The Silent Language is an ensemble piece, and will draw upon the long tradition and commitment TUTA has to working with its company members. It's musical in both form and content, and there will be a continued exploration of TUTA's commitment to original and rearranged forms of music.
The production features the talents of company member Jaimelyn Gray, and guest artists Sean Ewert, Laurie Larson, Carolyn Malloy, Max Lotspeich, Aaron Lawson, and Angela Bullard, under the direction of Jacqueline Stone (co-founder). Design and technical collaborators include: Original Music and Musical Direction by Wain Parham; set design by Michelle Lilly; costume design by Branimira Ivanova; lighting design by Keith Parham; sound design by Joe Court; prop design by Joel Lambie; and stage management by Allison Raynes.
Artistic Director and Co-Founder Jacqueline Stone directs "The Silent Language", which makes this the 13th production she has been artistically a part of for the company over the last eleven years. As an actress, she has appeared in numerous TUTA productions including The Wedding (1996, 2010, 2011), The Hour, Alice, Little Prince, Still Life in Color, Uncle Vanya (2008, 2009), Baal, and Fulton Street Sessions. Other Chicago theatre she has worked with include Chicago Dramatists, The Second City, Prop Thtr, 20% Theatre Company, WNEP Theatre, New Leaf Theatre, Backstage, Brown Couch, and io (formerly Improv Olympic). Stone recently directed the world premiere of Chelsea Marcantal's Devour at 20% Theatre Company, in addition to Jenny Siedelman's August 8, 1974. She directed the world premiere of Dee Bolos' acclaimed one woman show Southside (Prop Thtr, NYC Fringe, Seattle Fringe). In addition she directed the world premiere of Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Apollo,Touring company, and Millennium Park) and the Midwest première of Junie B. Jones at Emerald City Theatre Company.
"The Silent Language" will perform at TUTA Studio Theatre, 2010 W. Fulton Avenue, from April 19 to June 9th, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 4pm (no show Saturday, May 4, Sunday May 12, Saturday June 1, or Friday, June 7). There is an additional 8pm show on Sunday, June 2nd. Preview performances are Thursday, April 11, to Thursday, April 18. Opening press nights are Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at 8 p.m. Spots are "Pay-what-you-can" for previews and a suggested donation of $25 for adults and $15 for industry/students/children under 18 for the regular performances. Spots are extremely limited, and reservations are highly recommended. To reserve spots to The Silent Language: Call 1-800-838-3006 (24 Hours) or buy here online. For more information on TUTA, visit www.tutato.com.
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