Prop Thtr is pleased to continue its 2019-20 season with the world premiere of I AM GOING TO DIE ALONE AND I AM NOT AFRAID, a new play exploring modern oppression through the legacy of the Holocaust, devised by The Ensemble, directed by Anna H. Gelman, with music and music direction by Alec Phan, playing October 23 – December 6, 2019 at 3502 N. Elston Ave. (near Kedzie and Addison) in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at www.propthtr.org. The press opening is Monday, October 28, 2019 at 8 pm.
I AM GOING TO DIE ALONE AND I AM NOT AFRAID will feature Sonia Goldberg, Sarah Gionvannetti, Lyle Sauer, Zoe Savransky, Ariana Silvan-Grau and Isabel Thompson.
How do you fight for the future you won’t live to see? Told through both imagined and historical stories of rebels like Francesca Mann, who shot a Nazi Officer while being taken to the gas chambers, I Am Going to Die Alone and I Am Not Afraid is a devised play about resilience and tenacity in the face of violence. Exploring ancestral trauma and remembrance as rebellion, …and I Am Not Afraid uses stories of exceptional bravery to expand the legacy of the Holocaust and examine oppression today. What lessons do we take from history, and how can we make sure Never Again means Never Again, for anyone?
The production team includes Alyssa Mohn (scenic design), Nyssa Lowenstein (costume design), Morgan Hunter (sound design), Zoe Benditt (dramaturg) and Becca Sebree (stage manager).
Title: I AM GOING TO DIE ALONE AND I AM NOT AFRAID
Devised by: The Ensemble
Directed by: Anna H. Gelman
Music and Music Direction by: Alec Phan
Cast (in alphabetical order): Sonia Goldberg, Sarah Gionvannetti, Lyle Sauer, Zoe Savransky, Ariana Silvan-Grau and Isabel Thompson.
Location: Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
Dates: Previews: Wednesday, October 23 at 8 pm and Friday, October 25 at 8 pm
Press Performance: Monday, October 28, 2019 at 8 pm
Regular Run: Thursday, October 31 – Friday, December 6, 2019
Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturday at 8 pm. Please note: there will not be performances on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29.
Industry Nights: Monday, November 18 at 8 pm and Monday, December 2 at 8 pm
Tickets: Previews: $10 Regular run: $20. Industry $15. Student, group discounts available. Tickets are currently available at www.propthtr.org.
About the Artists
Anna H. Gelman (Director/Lead Deviser, I Am Going To Die Alone And I Am Not Afraid) is a director, deviser and filmmaker. As a director and assistant, she has worked with Prop Thtr, RhinoFest, Runaways Lab, Greenhouse Solo Lab, Borderlight International Theatre Festival and Fringe, and on many projects with Organic Theater Company, where she is a company member and Media Director. As a deviser and adaptor, she has created several original projects, including I Do It So It Feels Like Hell (based on the work of Sylvia Plath), MAY DAY (adapted from a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald) and Mine HaHa (based on a story by Frank Wedekind), Why Do You Always Wear Black? (based on the plays of Anton Chekhov). Recently, she directed the music video for 1:1, a new single by Chicago band Honey & The 45's. She holds certificates from The Moscow Art Theater and The Prague Film School and is a graduate of Oberlin College. By day, she is the Manager of School-Based Programs at Goodman Theatre.
Alec Pan (Music/Music Direction) Alec is an actor, deviser and musician based in Chicago. He was last seen badmouthing the state as Tjaden in Red Tape Theatre's adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front. An Artistic Associate of Pop Magic Productions, he is thrilled to be back at the Prop, making music for this furious examination of vital history.
About The Prop Thtr
Prop Thtr strives to redefine what theatre is for the 21st century. Prop Thtr produces and incubates new work, which includes new plays, devised work, director-driven re-imaginings of classics, adaptations, and other alternative forms. Prop Thtr works with makers of all ages, races, gender identities, abilities, and backgrounds. In the spirit of Chicago storefront theatre, Prop Thtr is committed to ongoing relationships with individuals and organizations that create work in diverse and inclusive spaces. We break open how we make, what we are making, and who is making.