Acclaimed company crowns thirteen years of productions with theatrical debut from acclaimed author Walter Mosley   

CHICAGO – July 2012   Congo Square Theatre Company is very excited to announce the theatrical selections for its 13th season, which features a rich offering for patrons and newcomers.  The award-winning theater ensemble promises to raise the bar for provocative storytelling, as the company continues its mission to examine and explore dialogue that can resonates throughout the African Diaspora. The coming season promises to continue the drive to provide world-class theatrical experiences for people of all ages and walks of life. 

Kicking off the 2012-2013 season is a production of Eisa Davis' 2007 Pulitzer nominated Bulrusher, which was teased to audiences during the 2012 Festival on the Square.  The production showcases the wide range of talent at Congo Square, with ensemble members Ericka Ratcliff in the lead role, and Taron Patton making her directorial debut.  A 2007 Pulitzer Prize finalist in Drama, Bulrusher challenges the assumptions of race, sexuality and love, as it tells the story of a clairvoyant orphan girl, raised by strangers, who embarks upon a journey of self-discovery. Rehearsals for Bulrusher are set to begin early October, with previews scheduled for October 26-28, 2012. ​Opening night for Bulrusher is Monday, October 29, 2012 and the closing night performance takes place on Sunday, November 25, 2012.  

The production will be presented at the Beacon Street Theater building, 4520 N. Beacon, Chicago, Illinois.

Following up their fall offering, Congo Square Theatre welcomes world renowned author, Walter E. Mosley to Chicago as the theatre presents, The Fall of Heaven, Mosley's first play, adapted from his book Tempest Tales. The production is directed by Artistic Director Daniel Bryant and features ensemble members Javon Johnson and Anthony Irons.  Attendees will get to know the story of Tempest, an African American “everyman” who finds himself at the gates of Heaven after being shot. Refusing the fate he has been dealt, Tempest sets out against the odds in a new body and a chance to change his destiny. Walter Mosley's metaphysical storytelling of the struggle for balance between right and wrong is sure to captivate and stimulate audiences.

Congo Square cues up its spring offering the week of January 14-20, 2013, as the ensemble will host Mosley on the Square, a week-long series of events including: workshop session with the cast, a public interview and book signing, a film screening and talkback, featuring the film based on Mosley's well known mystery novel, Devil in a Blue Dress.  Mosley on the Square events takes place at the Chicago Cultural Center and the Harold Washington Library.  Audiences will also be treated to staged readings of Mosley's newest works.  A private dinner with Mosley and invited guests will round out the week. Rehearsals for The Fall of Heaven begin January 22, 2013, with a preview on Friday, February 22, 2013.  The Fall of Heaven runs from Monday, February 25 through Sunday, March 24, 2013 at the Beacon Street Theater Building.   

            Mosley on the Square – Key Dates:

           Thursday January 17, 2013   7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Public Interview and Book Signing with Walter Mosley; Harold Washington Library
Address: 400 S. State Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Friday January 18,  2013       7:00 pm-11:00 pm 
Screening of Devil and a Blue Dress with brief post-screening Q&A; Claudia Cassidy Theater/Chicago Cultural Center
Address: 78 East Washington, Chicago, Illinois.

Saturday January 19, 2013    5:00 pm-8:00 pm                                                      
Staged reading (Adaptation of A Red Death or another of Mosley's newest works); Chicago Cultural Center

                The season finale for Congo Square Theatre's 2012-2013 schedule is Festival on the Square, a collaborative series of multimedia experiences featuring film, music and dance, conceived by Artistic Director, Daniel Bryant, and presented annually by Congo Square Theatre Company.  Now in its third year, Festival on the Square is homage to the spirits of the diverse people of color who came to New Orleans' Congo Square to commune through music and dance and to enjoy the cultures of their homeland. The interactive art experience is presented as a series over multiple weekend to encourage artists and organizations to come together to relish the cultural expression of those times through the arts.  The Festival on the Square takes place June 13-16 and June 20-23, 2013.