Curious Plays
This anthology of plays, written by playwright members of The Curious Theatre Branch—is a deep cut into the company’s history and influence on Chicago’s storefront experimental theater scene. The collection of 1 representative play from each of 8 company members not only show the breadth of talent and scope of the ensemble’s interests, but it also acts as a roadmap through the groups history of developing and solidifying a core-creative community in Chicago theater art circles. The book collects 8 plays, as well as an introductory essay by the writer/playwright Barrie Cole, and includes a back-section with photos and a timeline recounting the Curious Theatre Branch’s prolific output; no doubt enhanced by the fact they are the founding organizers of Chicago’s Rhinoceros Theater Festival (now in its 35th year). / 515 pages; Pub. 2022
“Dive into the introspectacle and weird world of the Curious Theatre Branch. This anthology of eight plays offers readers irreverent and iconoclastic narratives written by playwrights with a keen ear for the eccentricities and homespun quirks of language. The Curious Theater Branch offers an ensemble of diverse creators with plays ranging from experiments in form to character-driven stories exploring the absurdity of human nature and the banality of personal relationships. Curious Plays is a celebration of Chicago's beloved Curious Theater Branch and The Rhinoceros Theater Festival, a mainstay of Chicago's experimental theater. Curious Plays reflects the theater company it is: a team of creatives who put writing and originality first. With an introduction by playwright Barrie Cole and historical reference materials, the anthology showcases Curious' 35-year history of making diverse, experimental theater while flagrantly flouting the ordinary.”
This anthology of plays, written by playwright members of The Curious Theatre Branch—is a deep cut into the company’s history and influence on Chicago’s storefront experimental theater scene. The collection of 1 representative play from each of 8 company members not only show the breadth of talent and scope of the ensemble’s interests, but it also acts as a roadmap through the groups history of developing and solidifying a core-creative community in Chicago theater art circles. The book collects 8 plays, as well as an introductory essay by the writer/playwright Barrie Cole, and includes a back-section with photos and a timeline recounting the Curious Theatre Branch’s prolific output; no doubt enhanced by the fact they are the founding organizers of Chicago’s Rhinoceros Theater Festival (now in its 35th year). / 515 pages; Pub. 2022
“Dive into the introspectacle and weird world of the Curious Theatre Branch. This anthology of eight plays offers readers irreverent and iconoclastic narratives written by playwrights with a keen ear for the eccentricities and homespun quirks of language. The Curious Theater Branch offers an ensemble of diverse creators with plays ranging from experiments in form to character-driven stories exploring the absurdity of human nature and the banality of personal relationships. Curious Plays is a celebration of Chicago's beloved Curious Theater Branch and The Rhinoceros Theater Festival, a mainstay of Chicago's experimental theater. Curious Plays reflects the theater company it is: a team of creatives who put writing and originality first. With an introduction by playwright Barrie Cole and historical reference materials, the anthology showcases Curious' 35-year history of making diverse, experimental theater while flagrantly flouting the ordinary.”
This anthology of plays, written by playwright members of The Curious Theatre Branch—is a deep cut into the company’s history and influence on Chicago’s storefront experimental theater scene. The collection of 1 representative play from each of 8 company members not only show the breadth of talent and scope of the ensemble’s interests, but it also acts as a roadmap through the groups history of developing and solidifying a core-creative community in Chicago theater art circles. The book collects 8 plays, as well as an introductory essay by the writer/playwright Barrie Cole, and includes a back-section with photos and a timeline recounting the Curious Theatre Branch’s prolific output; no doubt enhanced by the fact they are the founding organizers of Chicago’s Rhinoceros Theater Festival (now in its 35th year). / 515 pages; Pub. 2022
“Dive into the introspectacle and weird world of the Curious Theatre Branch. This anthology of eight plays offers readers irreverent and iconoclastic narratives written by playwrights with a keen ear for the eccentricities and homespun quirks of language. The Curious Theater Branch offers an ensemble of diverse creators with plays ranging from experiments in form to character-driven stories exploring the absurdity of human nature and the banality of personal relationships. Curious Plays is a celebration of Chicago's beloved Curious Theater Branch and The Rhinoceros Theater Festival, a mainstay of Chicago's experimental theater. Curious Plays reflects the theater company it is: a team of creatives who put writing and originality first. With an introduction by playwright Barrie Cole and historical reference materials, the anthology showcases Curious' 35-year history of making diverse, experimental theater while flagrantly flouting the ordinary.”