Last Weekend for Naked July 2011

Another very successful Naked July Festival is drawing to a close at the National Pastime Theater, and now only one weekend of performances remains on the calendar before the festival comes to an end. With three different shows scheduled for the NPT stage this weekend, there is still time to see these outstanding shows for the first time or to return for one last look before they are gone.

Salome (August 19 and 20, 8:00 pm)

Many theater companies have staged Oscar Wilde’s classic tale of lust and greed employing a wide variety of interpretations. While some directors have opted for gothic or contemporary settings, sometimes with kinky overtones, Laurence Bryan has crafted his NPT production in a no-nonsense manner that remains true to Wilde’s original intent. Many critics have praised the current production of Salome that is one of the anchors of the Naked July Festival this summer, but Brian Kirst in a recent issue of Sheridan Road Magazine sums up the strength of Bryan’s show as well as any writer:

“Oscar Wilde’s Salome recounts the biblical tale of the privileged and spoiled stepdaughter of a king who demands the head of John the Baptist for a seductive dance. And, indeed, Salome’s dance is a whirling marvel, here, delivered with pout and criminal intent by her young portrayer, Rebecca Wolfe. What stands out the most in this simply elegant production, though, is the beauty of Wilde’s language. Whether exploring the tormented complexities of passion or the blank beauty of the moon, Wilde’s words are poetically intriguing and frankly honest. Director Lawrence Bryan thankfully lets them speak for themselves and guides his cast to subtle, honest portrayals.”

The Living Canvas: Rain (August 19 and 20, 10:00 pm)
Much has already been written on this site about the incredible Living Canvas multimedia experience, and audiences this year have been especially intrigued and amazed by the addition of water to the story this summer. Rain features one of the larger Living Canvas ensembles in recent history, and the fourteen talented men and women who perform nude while moving through an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colorful projected patterns draw the audience into a compelling story that will create indelible memories that will persist long after the house lights go up. The audience participation segment is as popular as ever, so if you are looking for relief from the summer heat, you have two more opportunities this weekend to toss your clothes, get wet with the cast onstage, and become a part of the “living canvas” experience.

Carnival of Curiosity and Chaos (August 19, Midnight)
This late-night show by some of Chicago’s most outrageous and intrepid performance artists has something to offer for audience members who are interested in acts that are beyond the realm of the ordinary or traditional. This unique concept is best summed up in the words of performer Tom Hill:

"The freaks display their acts for peoples’ unquenchable curiosity for the outlandish and the unknown. Witness these human attractions for yourself--you will not see anything like this. The dangers are real; therefore, this is not for the faint of heart. It is an 18 and older show. Throughout the show, audience members will be given opportunities to assist with the freak performers."

Remember also that the Naked July art auction will continue until the final performances on Saturday, August 20, so plan to arrive at the theater early so you have time to look over the paintings, drawings, and sculptures that fill the NPT lobby. Don’t miss out on the final days of Naked July 2011—call the NPT box office at 773-327-7077 or visit the secure online ticket site to reserve your seats.