Open Space Arts announces the fourth production of its inaugural season, the comedy COCK, by British playwright Mike Bartlett. Making their Chicago debut as director is Wren Wesner (they/them/theirs), whose credits include directing assignments at theatres in the Detroit area, Ann Arbor, and the Hope Summer Repertory in Holland, Michigan. COCK premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre in November 2009, with a cast that included Ben Whishaw and Andrew Scott. A successful off-Broadway production that earned six major New York theater award nominations was mounted in 2012. Most recently, COCK was revived in London’s West End in 2022 under the direction of Marianne Elliott (WAR HORSE, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME, COMPANY), and a cast led by ROCKETMAN’s Taron Egerton and BRIDGERTON’s Jonathan Bailey.
The play centers around John, a young gay man in a long-term relationship with another man, who feels torn after meeting and falling in love with a woman. The provocative title, which some media outlets have changed to “The Cockfight Play,” likens the competition between the man and the woman for John’s affections to that of a cockfight. Playwright Bartlett’s intention is for the play to be performed on a bare stage, without props or costumes other than street clothes. The NEW YORK TIMES’ review of the 2022 London revival said,” There’s no nudity in “Cock,” … but by the time its 105 minutes, no intermission, have come to an end, you’ve seen its characters stripped emotionally bare.”
Opening night is Friday, April 5 at 7:30 pm, following a preview performance on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 pm. The play will run through Sunday, April 21, 2024. All performances will be in the intimate 20-seat theatre at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago.
Playing the sexually confused John will be Eliot Hall, a native of Marin County, California who is pursuing at BFA from the Theatre School at DePaul University. John’s boyfriend, simply referred to as “M,” will be played by Kevin Woodrow, a Chicago-based queer actor whose local credits include WINDWALKERS (Imposters Theatre) and MALAPERT LOVE (The Artistic Home). Cast as the female member of the love triangle, called “W,” is Sonya Shea Robinson, who has appeared in Open Space Arts’ ROSENBERG, as well as Imposters Theatre’s WINDWALKERS. The fourth member of the cast is Michael Lomenick, who most recently appeared as Frank in NATIVE GARDENS at Williams Street Rep. Lomenick will play “F,” the father of “M.”
L-R: Eliot Hall, Sonya Shea Robinson, Kevin Woodrow, Michael Lomenick.
The production team for COCK, in addition to Wesner as Director, includes Justin Walker (Lighting Design), Angela Joy Baldasare (Sound Design), Greta Zandstra (Intimacy Coordinator), Desiree Stypinski (Stage Manager), and Teri Talo (Assistant Director, Assistant Stage Manager).
Performances are at Open Space Arts, 1411 W Wilson, in Chicago. Opening night is Friday, April 5, following a preview on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 pm. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. to April 21. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for students or seniors, and $15 for OSA Members.
Information on all Open Space Arts events is available at https://openspacearts.com, and Pride Film Fest events at https://openspacearts.com/category/film-fest/. Tickets for all events can be purchased at https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/Search.
OPEN SPACE ARTS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to combating homophobia and antisemitism through the transformative power of creativity and cultural expression. Our mission is to foster inclusivity, promote understanding, and empower marginalized communities by utilizing various artistic mediums to challenge discriminatory beliefs and attitudes. OSA has produced SUNSETS: TWO ACTS ON A BEACH, ROSENBERG, MASSAGE THERAPY, and THE KRAMER PROJECT in live performances, and produces the Pride Film Fest, a hybrid fest of streaming and in-person events, which runs from November 1 to July 1 annually. Open Space Arts is led by Directors Elayne LeTraunik and David Zak.
Find information on all Open Space Arts events at https://openspacearts.com, and Pride Film Fest events at https://openspacearts.com/category/film-fest/ . Tickets for all events can be purchased at https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/Search.
LISTING INFORMATION
COCK
by Mike Bartlett
Directed by Wren Wesner
April 4 – 21, 2024
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays 2 pm
Preview Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 pm
Press opening Friday, April 5, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Open Space Arts
1411 W. Wilson Ave.,
Tickets $25.00 ($20 for seniors and students, $15 for OSA members),
Tickets available at https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/COCK
Website: www.openspacearts.com
A comic discussion of identity and sexuality. John has been in a stable relationship with his boyfriend for a number of years. But when he takes a break, he accidentally falls in love with a woman. Torn between the two, filled with guilt and conflicting emotions, he doesn’t know which way to turn. His boyfriend is willing to wait for him to make a decision, but so is his girlfriend. And both are prepared to fight to keep him. As the pressure mounts, a dinner with both parties is arranged, and everyone wants to know. Who is John? What is he? And what will his decision be?,
BIOS
Mike Bartlett (Playwright) is currently Associate Playwright at Paines Plough. In 2011 he was writer-in-residence at The National Theatre, and in 2007 he was Pearson Playwright in Residence at the Royal Court Theatre. His play LOVE, LOVE, LOVE won Best New Play in the 2011 Theatre Awards UK, and his play COCK won an Olivier Award in 2010 for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. He won the Writer's Guild Tinniswood and Imison prizes for NOT TALKING and the Old Vic New Voices Awards for ARTEFACTS. Theatre credits include LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, 13 (National Theatre), DECADE (co-writer), EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON, COCK, CONTRACTIONS, ARTEFACTS, and MY CHILD. Radio credits include: "The Core," "Heart," "Liam," "The Steps," "Love Contract," "Not Talking," and "The Family Man," all on BBC. Screen credits include EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON and HOMETOWN. Directing credits include HONEST by DC Moore. He is currently under commission from Headlong Theatre, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Hampstead Theatre, and The Royal Court Theatre.
Wren Wesner (Director, they/them/theirs) is making their Chicago directing debut with Open Space Arts. Prior to moving to Chicago, they worked at various Michigan theaters including Hope Summer Repertory, Purple Rose, and Wharton Center. Wren has a BA in Arts and Humanities and Theatre and is a graduate of the Purple Rose Apprentice (‘16-’17) and Directing (‘17-’18) Programs. Directing credits include: COLLABORATORY-DREAMLAND (Young Players), SANDBOX ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL (Tipping Point), LITTLE WOMEN, CHARLOTTE'S WEB (Wild Swan), DOG SEES GOD (Roial Players).
About Open Space Arts
OPEN SPACE ARTS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to combating homophobia and antisemitism through the transformative power of creativity and cultural expression. Our mission is to foster inclusivity, promote understanding, and empower marginalized communities by utilizing various artistic mediums to challenge discriminatory beliefs and attitudes.
Open Space Arts illuminates contemporary and historical issues through film and live performances. OSA will perform where the arts can have the most impact. With the freedom to perform anywhere, from libraries, theaters, empty storefronts, and online, OSA can respond quickly to bring important issues to life. www.openspacearts.com.