Northeastern Illinois University’s Stage Center Theatre will present Aristophanes’ classic comedy “Wealth” in November.
Jeff-nominated director Derek Van Barham was eager to take on the challenge of adapting “Wealth” for a modern audience.
“The cast and I worked together to create our own version of Aristophanes’ tale about Plutus, the blind god of wealth,” he said. “Our inspirations include Homer’s ‘The Odyssey,’ ‘Downton Abbey,’ Kanye West, ‘The Bling Ring,’ ‘Clue,’ Marky Mark, Meatloaf, ‘Penny Dreadful’ and ‘Scary Movie 2.’
“While this production may be miles (and centuries) away from the original, it still tackles the same questions. We aim to make you laugh, and to make you think. And though we may not yet have all the answers, we had a lot of fun trying to find them.”
“Wealth” is being presented as part of Northeastern’s Economic Inequality Initiative, a collaboration of 19 colleges and universities across the country raising awareness of economic disparities in society.
The production features Northeastern students Mark Francis, Tyler Wynd, Khadiga Ahmend, Zanneta Smith, Stephen H. Kozak and alumnus Israel Moskovitis.
“Wealth” runs Nov. 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 21 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at The Stage Center Theatre, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Tickets are $10, $8, and $6 and are free to Northeastern students, faculty and staff with a University ID. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (773) 442-4630.
