This ambitious showcase of experimental theater, performance, and music from Chicago’s fringe began as part of the Bucktown Arts Fest. Now it’s produced by the Curious Theatre Branch; in addition to the Curious folks, participating artists include Theater Oobleck, Jennifer Biddle LaFleur, Michael Meyers, Nomenil, Barrie Cole, Blair Thomas, and many other ensembles and soloists. Taking its name from surrealist painter Salvador Dali’s use of the term “rhinocerontic” (it means real big), the 12th annual Rhinofest runs through October 7. The following lists this week’s shows. Performances take place at the Lunar Cabaret, 2827 N. Lincoln; the Free Street space at Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk; and Link’s Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield. Admission is $10 or “pay what you can”; for information and reservations, call 773-327-6666.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
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Matthew Wilson directs his own script about a young psychic’s impact on a group of dysfunctional friends. The play “brandishes emptiness and disconnection at every turn, but in such a sketchily ponderous fashion that the void it maps seems to correspond solely to another in Wilson’s imagination. . . . I’d wager that this collection of tissue-paper silhouettes is meant to represent a generation’s
alienation and emotional underdevelopment. . . . Then again, it may just be about an insufferable bunch of losers. In any case, Drowning of Thirst is underwritten, unconvincing, overlong, and trite.
Puppeteer Blair Thomas and composer Michael Zerang pooled their talents for the story of one man’s spiritual journey. The multimedia production, which employs clips from Buster Keaton’s movies, is “sweet but enlightening,”
Two Odd: Covic & Schein
See listing for Friday, September 21. Pulaski Park, 9 PM.
