Court Theatre has announced its 2022-2023 season, which will include a classic comedy; a drama set in Apartheid-era South Africa; a Caryl Churchill piece about women farm laborers in 1980s England and a musical that reinvents the story of Oedipus.
“As we emerge from the challenges of the last two years, we want to share plays that take audiences on a journey of healing, redemption and celebration,” artistic director Charles Newell said in the announcement. Court, on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, currently is staging “The Lady from the Sea” and will conclude the spring with August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” in May.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” (Sept. 2 to Oct. 2): Martha and Abby Brewster reside in their Victorian home in a quiet area in Brooklyn with their eccentric nephew, Teddy. But Mortimer, their other nephew, discovers his aunts’ macabre secrets. Written by Joseph Kesselring and directed by Ron OJ Parson.
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“The Island” (Nov. 11 to Dec. 4): The play follows John and Winston, who are political prisoners on Robben Island in South Africa. It is a sobering look into the social, physical and psychological wounds of Apartheid as well as a lesson in the complex work of liberation. Written by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, and directed by Gabrielle Randle-Bent in her solo directorial debut at Court.
“Fen” (Feb. 10 to March 5, 2023): In 1980s England, ghosts of the past haunt the women who work as tenant farmers in potato fields. The story follows Val, who views a new relationship as a way to escape the crushing bonds of work, poverty and family, and then faces the consequences of her actions. Written by Caryl Churchill and directed by Vanessa Stalling.
“The Gospel at Colonus” (May 12 to June 11, 2023): This show reinvents the story of Oedipus and turns it into the centerpiece of an African American Pentecostal church service, complete with a score of powerful gospel music. Adapted lyrics by Lee Breuer and Bob Telson, with music by Telson. Production by Mark J.P. Hood and Charles Newell.
Court Theatre is at 5535 S. Ellis Ave.; tickets for three plays, four plays and flexible ticket subscriptions range from $105 to $248 at 773-753-4472 or CourtTheatre.org. Tickets for individual shows will be available this summer.