The Last Act of Lilka Kadison
By Nicola Behrman, David Kersnar, and Abbie Phillips
Directed by David Kersnar
Originally produced at Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago, IL.
June 1, 2011 through July 24, 2011
About the Premiere Production: The Last Act of Lilka Kadison is an original story about a spirited woman in the twilight of her life. Now in her 87th year, Lilith (Lilka) Kadison Fisher is struggling to fend off ghostly visitations from her irreverent artistic partner and lover from 1939 Poland, reconcile with her distant son, and relinquish her independence to an Ethiopian caregiver from Jewish Family Services. A classic hoarder of both objects and memories, Lilith now faces the universal dilemma of what to hold on to and what to let go of in this powerful piece about art and survival.
Artistic Statement: Lookingglass Theatre Company is dedicated to changing, charging, and empowering our audiences through the creation and presentation of innovative theatrical productions. From our earliest days, we have been passionate about adapting stories for the stage that are profoundly woven into the fabric of humanity.
In Season 2010-2011, Lookingglass is proud to present The Last Act of Lilka Kadison (commonly referred to as“Lilka”), a new theatrical production based on ancient and modern Jewish stories. With Lilka, Lookingglass will engage a broad, multi-generational and inter-cultural audience in an examination of the events of the Holocaust, the role of memory and stories in maintaining cultural identity, the potential for dialogue between Holocaust survivors and today’s youth, and the value of discovering and sharing empathy between separate worlds.
Lookingglass looks forward to bring its unique artistic vision to this story with a production combining live and recorded music, movement, toy theatre and the narrative innovation that has helped make Lookingglass one of the premier theatre companies, both locally and nationally. - From Andy White, Artistic Director:
What this grant will allow us to do: The generous grant from the Edgerton Foundation New Play Awards will enable Lookingglass Theatre Company to support an extended rehearsal period for The Last Act of Lilka Kadison with the cast, director, and full creative team in residence. As the rehearsal process is a crucial element of new play development, the Edgerton Foundation’s support will allow Lookingglass to more fully realize this important and poignant story. –Rachel Kraft, Executive Director
Director: David Kersnar
Additional Funders: Righteous Persons Foundation. Produced in association with Red Apple Productions
News
Lilka from Telekhany, Lilith from L.A.
The Jewish Daily Forward, June 22, 2011
The Last Act of Lilka Kadison
Variety, June 14, 2011
BroadwayWorld Chicago Salutes Lookingglass Theatre Company
Broadwayworld Chicago, June 9, 2011
With new Tony award held high, Lookingglass brings 'Lilka' to stage
Post Tribune, June 1, 2011