between us
I’m about to borrow somebody else’s idea. But it’s just that good. Rand Suffolk, the crazy smart new leader of the High Museum of Art, has been talking about his commitment to the High being both exceptional and essential. And I love the resonance of those entwined aspirations — exceptional and essential. And really, truly, it makes me think about this show you’re about to experience. Quick. Make a list of five works of American literature that you’d deem essential. Go. Having tortured several passersby at the Arts Center as well as the all-important Google with this question, Moby Dick was a common denominator answer. Different reasons for different people but a collective sense that Melville’s story captures something enormous and universal about the human spirit and our indomitable need for revenge, free will and a heroic quest. OK, now how about exceptional? I’m a little biased about the importance of this designation because the Alliance also received one of these beauties a few years back, but in 2011, Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre received the Regional Theatre Tony Award in recognition of its exceptional artistry. This ensemble of actors, directors and devisors of theater embrace a physical language of storytelling that is truly unrivaled in our field, and last visited the Alliance with their magical Lookingglass Alice. Here’s what’s about to happen. An exceptional theater company with a singular and beautiful aesthetic is going to bring to soaring life an essential work of literature. And I can’t imagine a better aspiration than that. (And thanks, Rand, for the words to describe it.)
Susan V. Booth Jennings Hertz Artistic Director
ALLIANCETHEATRE.ORG
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