Chicago Shakespeare Theater, in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company, presents PERICLES.
After a thirty year absence, RSC returns to Chicago with its production of a lesser known Shakespearean play. Pericles is a young ruler exploring other lands. In Act One, a shipwreck brings him to the shores of Pentapolis where he falls in love and marries a princess, Thaisa. When giving birth to their daughter on a ship, Thaisa dies and is buried at sea. A distraught Pericles gives their baby daughter, Marina, to someone else to raise. Act Two is fourteen years later and features a still grieving Pericles, a plucky Marina and a mysterious priestess at the Temple of the Goddess Diana.
Although the story has familiar Shakespearean components, including; shipwrecks, mistaken identities, tragic lovers, the script rambles on with multiple complications and longer reveals. The additional content -like not one but two competitions to marry a princess- doesn’t add depth just length. The Bard’s typical identity wrap-up in the final moments is prolonged over time in this story.
Director Tamara Harvey navigates the story through troubled waters. She paces it using rhythmic movements to create an ongoing flow. The action takes place on a simple yet stunning set by Designer Jonathan Fensom. Ropes and lamps elude to multiple voyages on sea and land. Harvey utilizes her terrific ensemble and humor to connect to the audience. A spirited Rachelle Diedericks engages as both narrator and Marina. Initially, Diedericks provides clarity to the story set-up. In the second act, she transforms -literally and figuratively- into the heroine cleverly using her wits and her wit to survive.
Harvey leans into comedy. Christian Patterson (Simonides) hilariously engages with the audience like he’s doing stand-up. Gabby Wong (Dionyza) utters lines of brutality with delicious nonchalance. The entire ensemble seemingly play it with an underlying cheekiness over some of the plot’s absurdities.
The story is about a nice guy that bad things happen to. The earnest Zach Wyatt (Pericles) meets the lovely Leah Haile (Thaisa). It’s love at first sight! Their chemistry has a soulful destiny vibe. Even though they are only together for a short period, the significance of the loss is felt by romantics in the audience. Wyatt’s brooding feels honest. We are actively rooting for a happily ever after.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has a limited US engagement. PERICLES is an opportunity to see a lesser-known Shakespearean play performed by a company with its origin story rooted in Shakespeare’s hometown.
Running Time: Three hours includes an intermission
At Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Tamara Harvey
Performances are:
Wednesdays at 1pm and 7pm
Tuesdays,Thursdays, Fridays at 7pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm
Sundays at 2pm
Thru November 7
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Johan Persson
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