Circle Theatre has announced its two 32nd season productions: THE CONDITION OF FEMME, a world-premiere play by Lauren Marie Powell, directed by Amanda Jane Long, and the Chicago premiere of the Off-Broadway musical THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, with Book, Music, and Lyrics by Max Vernon, and direction by Derek Van Barham.

THE CONDITION OF FEMME runs March 2 – April 1, and THE VIEW UPSTAIRS runs June 22 – July 22. Performances for buth productions will be held at the Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway.

More info at circletheatrechicago.org.

From the press release:

THE CONDITION OF FEMME
March 2 – April 1

THE CONDITION OF FEMME by Lauren Marie Powell follows the learning curve of Reagan, a compassionate young woman working for a sexual assault hotline. Over the course of a year, callers and confidantes share their stories — some heartfelt, some humorous, some very painful. Leaving her well-meaning naivete behind, Reagan becomes a gentle guide to female-identified persons coping with violence. When a line blurs between advocacy and intimacy, Reagan risks losing herself to the injustice of it all. Based on true stories, this world-premiere production is a highly relevant new play, engaging broad audiences with realities of rape culture in America.

THE VIEW UPSTAIRS
June 22 – July 22

When Wes, a young fashion designer from 2017, buys an abandoned building in the French Quarter of New Orleans, he finds himself transported to the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant seventies gay bar. As this forgotten community comes to life, Wes embarks on an exhilarating journey of self-exploration that spans two generations of queer history. THE VIEW UPSTAIRS asks what has been gained and lost in the fight for equality, and how the past can help guide all of us through an uncertain future.