"Jane Gordon.... finds herself kidnapped by a clan of renegade sentient robots and whisked away to the jungles of South America where she is forced to perform the title role in a mechanical version of Hedda Gabler."
This is the premise of a play presented at Chicago's renowned Steppenwolf Theatre, running Feb 16th to April 24, 2011. But this isn't people dressed as robots, the play's ensemble consists of many working robots controlled offstage by their creators. The play is promised to be "savagely funny." If you know how robots tend to fail, you know it will be hilarious when the lead falls over malfunctioning.
The Sideshow Theatre Company, the creators behind the play, is partnering with various Chicago "Robot Experts" for this production. Ben Bantley of the New York Times describes the play as “[achieving] true, and truly original, theatrical transcendence.” I'm convinced. I haven't been this excited to see robot actors since "Short Circuit 2."
I'm going to talk with these "Robot Experts," and find out more of what they are up to. When I do, I will report back to you all.
Until then, take a look at Sideshow Theatre Company's website, and pre-order your tickets today!
Cabe