A Kingly Queen and A Philosopher

A writer, a queen, a philosopher and an aristocrat walk into a bar. You will have to go see "Queer Strindberg"for the punchline.

Stage Center Theatre is kicking off 2009's Studio Series with a premiere production of "Queer Strindberg": a play in two acts by Max Gulias, directed by Kyle Martin. Dr. Gulias, a professor as well as playwright and actor, won the 2009 Ronald Williams Playwright Competition with "Queer Strindberg." Martin returns to Stage Center Theatre after having directed An Evening with Chekhov last fall.

In "Queer Strindberg", Augustus Strindberg (played by Andrew Berlien) and Queen Christina (Cheryl Lyman), both notoriously intellectual Swedes, are thrust together by mysterious forces and a violent stage manager (Kathleen Griffin) despite having lived in the 17th and 19th centuries respectively. A dysfunctional pair from the beginning, the two represent quite different ideas of sexuality and gender roles, as well as truth, nature and a myriad of other fascinating topics. The resulting discussions are both enlightening and hilarious. René Descartes (Michael Houghton Wagman), French philosopher and scientist, and Miss Julie (Pearl Paramadilok), the title character of Strindberg's famous play, are called upon to serve as "character witnesses" for the pair.

The actors found an exciting challenge in playing "real people". Strindberg, Christina and Descartes were not only real people, but also important historical figures. The actors all seem to agree that this translates into added pressure to remain as faithful to fact as possible. This meant weeks of research for them.

It becomes obvious right away that the actors know their characters intimately. Equally important, the ease with which they work off each other truly brings the text to life. The rapport between Berlien and Lyman is especially enjoyable. The continual banter they engage in is delightful to watch because they understand how the interaction between these characters reveals so much about them individually.

The atmosphere during rehearsal is comfortable yet exciting. Martin seems to have found a wonderful balance in offering plenty of advice while letting his actors find the characters for themselves. Solidarity and good humor abound among this group and it shows in every minute of the performance.

If you are into philosophy, swords, troubled dead people and/or big laughs, this is a play for you.

"Queer Strindberg" opens Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Feb. 20 at Stage Center Theatre, room F-109. Admission is free for students, faculty and staff with an NEIU I.D. ($3 otherwise). You may contact the box office at (773) 442-4274 or search "Queer Strindberg" on Facebook events.