The 2001 edition of the Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company’s annual marathon showcase of emerging talent features a slew of local fringe theater and performance companies and solo artists. The Abbie Fest was founded in 1989 to honor the late anarchist author of Woodstock Nation and to commemorate the anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock music festival. “Abbie Hoffman Died for Our Sins XIII” offers a steady flow of entertainment while seeking to foster a communal spirit among performers and audience (which may be enhanced by sleep deprivation). A sliding admission-price scale allows audiences to attend a specific show or to come and go throughout the weekend; there are convenience stores nearby for those in need of a snack, the theater is air-conditioned, and there’s indoor plumbing–so you don’t need to use port-a-potties like the folks at Woodstock did. Participants include A Red Orchid Theatre, the Hypocrites, the Factory Theater, solo artist Jennifer Biddle, and the jazz-rock band Milkbaby, as well as Mary-Arrchie, whose own entries include festival perennial Gas Mask 101, a nostalgic look at college life in the Vietnam war era. At press time, several slots in the schedule were assigned to the ever popular “To be announced”; check with the theater for updated information. Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company, Angel Island, 731 W. Sheridan, 773-871-0442. August 17 through 19: Friday-Sunday, according to the schedule below, which is subject to change, delays, etc. Tickets: $5 for a single admission (allows you to come in once and stay as long as you can take it–“no leaving for cigarette breaks or beer,” a press release warns); $10 for a one-day pass (allows you to come and go at will on a single day); and $25 for a weekend pass (with in-out privileges) to the full festival.
Opening Ceremonies
The Theo Ubique Theatre Company presents Terrence McNally’s dark comedy about an emotionally dysfunctional man who kidnaps and rapes a young woman. “[This] performance of Sweet Eros . . . consists of . . . an extended, graphic depiction of rape. . . . McNally has written a madman’s rant, a superb portrait of a woman hater; [director Fred] Anzevino has chosen to enact not just the portrait but the hatred,” says Reader critic Kelly Kleiman. 7:30 PM.
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Blob Love
Arlene Cook’s weirdly wistful portrait of college guys fretting over the draft in 1970–the era of campus protests, guilt-free dope, and sexually segregated dorms–is presented by the Mary-Arrchie Theatre. 10:20 PM.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18
