By Sally Magallanes

A few years ago I was in a downtown hotel and started speaking with two very interesting young women. They asked me if I knew of Redmoon Theater. Eager to educate me and to have an opportunity to market this unique artistic entity, I listened as they tried to describe what Redmoon was all about. However, many cultures and art forms must be personally experienced, as a verbal description alone cannot do them justice. Redmoon performances completely enthrall and bring audiences into a place that crosses all generational, cultural and ethnic boundaries. Whether performing at Redmoon Central (the building that houses the troupes’ rehearsal area, building shop and administrative offices) or in unusual public, open spaces, the creativity of Redmoon actors, dancers, acrobats and puppeteers is endless! Redmoon Central is the base of operations for this theater company - an 18,500 square-foot facility that was a former ink factory. Combining the artists’ creativity with hand-crafted props, masks, original costumes and moving objects, open space is transformed into a “stage” for a mesmerizing experience.

Photo courtesy of Sean Williams

Redmoon was founded in 1989 by performance artist Blair Thomas and dancer Laurie Macklin. Northwestern University grad Jim Lasko came on board soon after as artistic director and remains in that role. Then, around 1998, Frank Maugeri, a former social worker, became intrigued with the many facets of Redmoon, especially in the area of puppetry. After stints as a builder and shop manager there, he knew Redmoon was his new home. A graduate of Chicago’s Columbia College, Maugeri is associate artistic director and very involved in the productions or “spectacles.” In a recent interview, he stated “Redmoon is completely original and different from other Chicago theater companies because performances are literally invented during the brainstorming and rehearsal phase.” Puppets of all sizes and the most unusual mechanical objects are just two of the unique aspects of the Redmoon experience. Maugeri noted that the directors use a concept of “engaging a song,” with use of both live and recorded music. Don’t expect a traditional melody or formal script with Acts 1 and 2 to occur! “An invitation is extended to the audience to join in the imagination and many different elements of a performance - allowing people to take away individual emotions and personal meaning,” quotes Maugeri. “Our goal is to have the audience leave with questions, not one single answer.”

Redmoon began in Logan Square and continues to celebrate the diversity of Chicago’s neighborhoods by staging performances in various parts of the city: from Chinatown’s Ping Tom Memorial Park (2004’s “Sink…Sank…Sunk”) to the Jackson Park Lagoon (2005’s “Loves Me..Loves Me Not). Redmoon Theater is known for its spectacles. “Twilight Orchard” encompassed all of Columbus Park, completely transforming the space into a fantasy world of walking “puppets,” unusual lighting, hypnotizing music and pageantry. For this spectacle, Redmoon invited youth from different parts of the community to create parts of the event (lanterns) and asked the audience to leave notes, prayers or other thoughts on them. They created a unique, shared experience, drawing participants into this surreal world.

Photo courtesy of Sean Williams

Redmoon Theater recently closed its version of “Hunchback” (November 2007-February 2008), based on the famous Victor Hugo novel Hunchback of Notre Dame. Puppets, acrobats, masks and many other creations were used in the 80-minute production. Its current offering (March 15-May 25) is “Boneyard Prayer,” a folk opera piece that depicts struggle, sorrow and salvation during the Great Depression era. Maugeri collaborated with Charles Kim, faculty member at Old Town School of Music, for the songs, music and sounds. Making its U.S. debut in fall 2008 is “Dr. Egg and the Man with No Ear,” a youth/family-oriented production exploring ethical dilemmas our society now faces due to new developments in health and fertility treatments. Previews begin on September 4. The show originated and was first performed in Perth, Australia.

Part of the Redmoon’s mission is to “foster deep neighborhood-based relationships with the community, based on the mutual promise of prolonged exchange and commitment.” To help fulfill this goal, Redmoon has two established programs, Dramagirls and its School Partnership Program. Dramagirls is a program at Chase Middle School (Logan Square), pairing the girls with female artist mentors to explore and foster creativity and leadership abilities. Using some of its unique elements, Redmoon performers teach such skills as stilt walking, drumming, acting and other powerful movements to help the students create stories from their lives. As it is an ongoing program, the young women bond with the professional artists. They also learn artistic forms such as dance, acting, improvisational comedy and types of classical music. Redmoon also offers classes to other community members, such as mask making and other unique “crafts.” Jim Lasko, artistic director, is the creative force behind the program at Audubon School in Roscoe Village. He works with students to train them in creating spectacle events - the unique Redmoon trademark. As noted earlier, these programs are designed to be long term, not a one-shot lesson.

Photo courtesy of Sean Williams

For companies or individuals that want Redmoon brought to them for a private function, Redmoon for Hire is available. The artists will design an original, customized “show” that includes unique performers, props, inventions, music, sound and wait-service. Again, Redmoon’s goal is to bring an interactive experience to the audience, not one that is “view only.” Redmoon for Hire’s numbers range from two to 60-plus performers, depending on the client’s need. The innovation for private functions is no less awesome than public ones.

Finally, basic “numbers” information on Redmoon Theater are: 15 full-time staff, numerous interns and college students, a plethora of local and visiting gifted artists skilled in song, dance, theater, puppetry, acrobats and pure innovation!

Performances are normally held at Redmoon Central, 1438 West Kinzie Street (off Ashland Avenue, close to Ogden, near the Green/Pink CTA line), Thursday-Saturday at 8pm and Saturday and Sunday at 3pm (two shows on Saturday). Tickets range from $15-35/person.

Before and after performances, guests can purchase beverages (yes, real drinks) at the quaint bar inside.

Feel free to contact Redmoon at (312) 850-8440 or email info@redmoon.org. Definitely check out its Web site at www.redmoon.org.

Redmoon Central can also be accessed off of West Hubbard (1463); its bright yellow building is set back from the street, in between Cardeñas and Make’n Music.