ACT hosts premiere of local playwright's newest work "Hellfire"
11/19/2010
Politics, conspiracy and the divine are all part of the world premiere of “Hellfire” debuting at Concordia University Chicago this February.
The Jacobean period drama written by Jayme McGhan is set in 1737 Dublin, with a secret society of hedonistic aristocrats who convince a young Anglo-Irish farmer to join their ranks and swing the Parliament vote.
The Artists of Concordia Theatre (A.C.T.) will perform “Hellfire” Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Werner Auditorium at Concordia, 7400 Augusta St. in River Forest. Free, handicapped-accessible parking is available in the visitors’ lot north of the University parking structure off Bonnie Brae Street.
Tickets are $12/adults; $10/seniors and students with ID; $5/CUC students with ID. To order, call the Concordia University Chicago Theatre Box Office at 708-209-3469.
“Hellfire” is the latest production written by McGhan, an Elmwood Park resident and Concordia professor of theatre and technical director for A.C.T. McGhan is an award-winning playwright and author of 14 full-length plays. His work has been performed across the country including at The Kennedy Center, by Washington Shakespeare Company, Irish Repertory Theatre, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre and many others.
“I’ve always been fascinated with secret societies like the Freemasons, Rosicrucian, Illuminati and the like,” McGhan said. “The Dublin version of The Hellfire Club was, essentially an appendage of its more famous counterparts.”
The Artists of Concordia Theatre provide Concordia University Chicago students and community artists with a range of onstage and behind-the-scenes theatre experiences while presenting four major productions to the community each year: two fall plays, a spring musical and an original or experimental play.
Following “Hellfire” A.C.T.’s 2010-11 season will conclude with Urinetown: The Musical with music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis; directed by Phillip F. Nardulli; April 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bergmann Theatre.