The cast of Other Theatre’s 2016 production of BARNEY THE ELF. Photo by Carin Silkaitis.

The Other Theatre Company, now rebranded as “Other Theatre,” has announced its 4th season, kicking off this fall with the world premiere of Martín Zimmerman’s comedic graphic novel for the stage THE MAKING OF A MODERN FOLK HERO, presented in association with Chicago Dramatists Grafting Project and directed by Kelly Howe.

The season continues with the company’s second revival of the holiday hit BARNEY THE ELF. After helming the 2016 production, Tommy Rivera-Vega returns to direct this campy musical parody of Elf.

Other Theatre’s season concludes with OTHER WAYS TO RESIST, a festival of premiere plays directed by Nick Thornton.

“We don’t want to be easy to dismiss,” states Artistic Director Carin Silkatis, “Our goals in the Chicago theater scene are simple and specific, and we felt our brand should represent that in a political climate where simplicity and specificity are utterly necessary. The new company name should make it easier for current and future supporters to find, follow and engage with us.”

THE MAKING OF A MODERN FOLK HERO will be presented at Chicago Dramatists, BARNEY THE ELF and OTHER WAYS TO RESIST will be staged at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Additional information is available at TheOtherTheatreCompany.com.

Other Theatre’s 4th Season (from the press release):

September 29 – October 29, 2017
THE MAKING OF A MODERN FOLK HERO – World Premiere
By Martín Zimmerman
Directed Kelly Howe
Press opening: Thursday, October 5, 2017
at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago.

A congressman entices an old friend (and washed-up actor) to portray a superhero in a publicity stunt designed to stop the unjust bulldozing of a public housing complex. That first stunt proves successful and leaves the crowd enthralled, but what happens when the character the politician created goes rogue? This graphic novel for the stage employs a seamless blend of live actors and shadow puppets to investigate the passions, hopes, and fears that call people to yearn for and believe in the possibility of superheroes.

November 25 – December 31, 2017
BARNEY THE ELF
Written by Bryan Renaud
Lyrics by Bryan Renaud and Emily Schmidt
Directed by Tommy Rivera-Vega
Press opening: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
at The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Other Theatre’s smash-hit holiday tradition returns for its third year! After Santa Claus makes an untimely exit, his wicked son begins a not-so-jolly reign as the new head of Christmas. The 2017 production welcomes the return of Chicago drag sensation Dixie Lynn Cartwright in this campy musical parody of Elf.

April 14 – May 13, 2018
OTHER WAYS TO RESIST – World Premiere
By Various Chicago Playwrights
Directed Nick Thornton
Press opening: Thursday, April 19, 2018
at The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

“OTHER” is a five-letter battle cry. Hear its many voices unite in OTHER WAYS TO RESIST, a festival of new plays examining the struggle for recognition, respect, and representation. Join Other Theatre for an immersive evening of premiere plays that delve into the diverse and complex identities of those who call themselves “other” in a time when being an outsider is increasingly unsafe. The previous iteration of this festival included Leigh Fondakowski (The Laramie Project), Stephen Louis Grush (Fox’s “Gracepoint”), and Martin Zimmerman (Netflix’s “Narcos”), among its authors.