Valerie Jean Johnson

In Gary Owen’s challenging and poetic post-apocalyptic nightmare, "The Drowned World," the "citizens," physically diseased and spiritually destitute, have declared war against the genetically superior and emotionally fulfilled "non citizens," for whom beauty and happiness have become deadly commodities. Actors Revolution Theatre tackles this difficult script, a terrifying and timely exploration of social depravation and genocide, with real earnest; the four characters (two citizens, two non-citizens) are portrayed with tender humanity—making each act of brutality all the more shocking. Director John McCormick’s economical staging works well for the most part, though at times the actors seem to be combating discomfort with the long periods of physical stillness by barreling through monologues so quickly that chunks of text are swallowed up and one feels like they missed something important. However, on the whole, the performances are confident and capable, especially from the women; Natalie DiCristofano as Tara is both stoic and fragile, and Meredith Glidden’s Kelly is sly and ferocious, delivering moments of almost stomach-turning desperation that linger beyond the curtain call.

"The Drowned World" runs at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 North Southport, (312)902-1500, through February 17. (2008-01-22)

Also by Valerie Jean Johnson

Girl Crazy
From an oozing liquid cocoon atop a long slab reminiscent of an examination table, a naked woman emerges and takes her place onstage, born anew. So begins renowned Italian imagist theater company Societas Rafaello Sanzio’s "Hey Girl!," described as "an intense symbolic work that follows a girl’s evolution from birth through the brutality of adolescence to the sexual independence and power of womanhood"
(2008-01-15)

Over the Ocean
The name Copi is synonymous to most Europeans with the Abusurdist movement of the mid-twentieth century, and Chicago's Trap Door Theatre began its love affair with the Argentinean-born playwright over a decade ago, when Artistic Director Beata Pilch embarked on a two-month theater-research trip to Paris, funded by the French embassy
(2007-12-26)

Tip of the Week
Silent Theatre Company has a reputation for delivering sharp and chic visual treats year round, and they certainly do not disappoint with their clever holiday homage, "A Charlie Chaplin Christmas"
(2007-12-18)

Histrionic Perversity in Chicago
The plays of Austrian writer Thomas Bernhard (1931-1989) have been widely produced to great acclaim throughout Europe; and yet, his work has had minimal attention in North America. But that’s changing, in large part due to the efforts of Adam Seelig, artistic director of Toronto’s One Little Goat Theatre
(2007-12-04)

Tip of the Week
(2007-11-06)

Ring Around the Rosen
(2007-10-30)

Tip of the Week
(2007-10-30)

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