Babes With Blades Theatre Company (BWBTC) is gearing up for an electrifying start to its 2024 season with the world premiere of “The S Paradox.” This thrilling production, written by Joining Sword & Pen International Playwriting Competition and Margaret W. Martin Award Winner Jillian Leff, promises to be a dynamic combination of espionage, sci-fi, and stage combat. Set to run from April 7 to May 18 at The Factory Theater, this play is poised to captivate audiences with its unique storyline and powerful performances.
Plot Overview: The S Paradox
“The S Paradox” unfolds as a live-action amalgamation of TV’s “Alias” and the 2012 film “Looper.” Taking the audience through a suspenseful journey, the play centers around the character ‘S,’ who embarks on a mission to rectify the mistakes of her naive younger self, Sloane. In a narrative that spans different timelines, the story is interwoven with intriguing characters, including a tech-nerd sidekick and Sloane’s level-headed librarian girlfriend. As ‘S’ grapples with the complexities of time travel, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster ride filled with action, mystery, and unexpected twists.
Production Details and Schedule
Directed by Morgan Manasa with fight direction by Samantha Kaufman, “The S Paradox” is set to kick off with previews on Thursday, April 11 – Saturday, April 13, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m. Additional previews will be held on Thursday, April 18, and Friday, April 19, at 8 p.m. The press opening night is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, at 8 p.m. Regular performance times include Thursdays – Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., with select performances available for streaming.
Tickets, priced between $28 and $35, go on sale on Thursday, March 7, at 12 p.m. and can be purchased online at BabesWithBlades.org.
Meet the Cast and Production Team
The ensemble cast of “The S Paradox” features a talented lineup of 12 artists, including Elisabeth Del Toro, Luz Espinoza, Cat Evans, Kayla Marie Klammer, Sonja Lynn Mata, Deanna Palmer, Steve Peebles, Jessica Pennachio, Thomas Russell, Emily Sturges, Hershey Suri, and Maureen Yasko.
The production team, led by BWBTC ensemble members Line Bower, Jillian Leff, and Morgan Manasa, showcases a collaborative effort of skilled professionals in technical direction, props design, production management, scenic design, fight choreography, sound design, production assistance, stage management, costume design, and lighting design.
About the Playwright and Director
Jillian Leff, the playwright behind “The S Paradox,” is a Chicago-based playwright and actor known for her works produced by various theaters in the city. She holds a BFA in acting from Ball State University and is an ensemble member with Babes With Blades Theatre Company.
Morgan Manasa, the director of the production, brings two decades of theatremaking experience in Chicago. An ensemble member of BWBTC, Manasa has showcased her talent not only as an actor in productions like Henry V and Witch Slap! but also as a director with critically acclaimed works such as “The Lady Demands Satisfaction.”
About Babes With Blades Theatre Company
Babes With Blades Theatre Company, with a legacy spanning over 20 years, continues its mission of developing and presenting scripts that highlight complex, dynamic characters often underrepresented on theater stages based on gender. Known for using stage combat as a storytelling tool, BWBTC aims to elevate the voices of underrepresented communities and challenge patriarchal norms in storytelling.
Conclusion
As Babes With Blades Theatre Company embarks on its 2024 season, “The S Paradox” promises to be a groundbreaking production that pushes the boundaries of traditional theater. With a compelling plot, a stellar cast, and a dedicated production team, this play is set to deliver an unforgettable experience that combines thrilling stage combat with a narrative rich in intrigue and suspense. Don’t miss your chance to witness the world premiere of “The S Paradox” at The Factory Theater this spring.
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