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A play where the audience is encouraged to walk

The Janus Theatre Company's presentation of "Oedipus Rex" features many local actors. Some of them, from left, are: Dan Hogan of Addison as the Leader, Lynn Wirth of Palatine as Jocasta and Tony Aiello of Elgin as Oedipus. Courtesy Janus Theatre

Posted February 11, 2009 10:00 pm

Harry Hitzeman

In Elgin theater group will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a new twist on a classic.

The Janus Theatre Company on Friday, Feb. 13 will kick off "Oedipus Rex," at the Elgin Art Showcase, 194 Division St., Elgin.

The 75-minute play, performed at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays through March 1, will feature a "walkabout" concept that allows audience members to move around and see the play from different perspectives.

"It's flexible. It's not rigid (like) the actors act here and the audience watches there," said Sean Hargadon, Janus producing director.

The walkabout concept is not entirely new, but theater company members thought it would add an engaging twist to the story of Oedipus.

He is the man charged with finding the man who murdered the former King of Thebes, which has been inflicted with a terrible plague.

Hargadon said audience members may move around to view the play from different angles. They can be close to the action, far away, or somewhere in between.

Hargadon said audience members still may watch from a seat, but there are only 18 so reservations are recommended. He said the play is appropriate for people high school aged and older.

"It's all about reassessing audience expectations," he said. "It's fast paced. This is a way for a younger audience to see a play and not get alienated by it."

Janus was one of five theater groups last August that participated in "Walkabout: Theatre On Your Feet."

In it, each group would put on a seven to 10 minute show at different downtown Elgin locations that people would walk to during a one-hour tour.

"I thought if people were up for that, they're up for this," he said.

The city's Cultural Arts Commission is planning to organize the next Walkabout for this August.

Who knows - it could be the genesis of a new Elgin tradition.

For tickets, call (847) 841-1713 or for more information, visit janustheatre.wordpress.com.

The Janus production is sponsored in part by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the Palmer Foundation.

"Oedipus Rex" When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. from Feb. 13 through March 1. Where: Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin Cost: $10 for walkabout/standing or $15 for seating. Reservations recommended for seating. Info: Call (847) 841-1713 or visit <a href="http://www.janustheatre.wordpress.com" target="new">janustheatre.wordpress.com</a>.

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