Chicago Shakespeare Announces CADRE, 2/15-23

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) and The Market Theatre in South Africa host the world premieres of Cadre, written by Omphile Molusi, in Chicago as part of CST's World's Stage Series February 15-23, 2013 and in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 18-April 14, 2013. Following Molusi's internationally acclaimed production Itsoseng, presented by Chicago Shakespeare in 2010, Cadre is inspired by true events in the life of an activist during and after the apartheid era. Cadre is produced by CST, with Richard Jordan Productions Ltd in association with The Market Theatre of Johannesburg and Adelaide Festival of Arts. Committed to fostering dialogue on the important political issues explored in this production, Chicago Shakespeare is encouraging broad-based participation by offering all tickets for $20.

Revealing the consequences of change in a fledgling democracy, Cadre explores the journey of a young South African man struggling to navigate his way through the tumultuous political landscape of apartheid. Soldiering through the perils of a country consumed by war, he desperately clings to the memory of his first love and the hope of a sweet reunion. Cadre is a personal tale of dreams and change, honoring families, friends and all the unsung heroes who died hoping for a better future.

"When I tell political stories, people always connect with the personal-it's what gets them to the politics and they start getting the bigger picture," said Cadreplaywright Omphile Molusi. "This play reminds people that the past cannot be hidden, no matter how hard it has been. It teaches us to take care of the present, so that we don't go back and so we can have a better future in the world."

Omphile Molusi takes on the principle role in Cadre, and is joined by South African actors Sello Motloung and Lillian Tshabalala. Sello Motloung has performed in multiple productions at The Market Theatre, and Lillian Tshabalala reunites with Molusi after performing under his direction in several plays. Performed in English, the production is punctuated with African songs performed in Setswana, Zulu and Xhosa.

Winner of a Scotsman Fringe First Award (2008) at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for his play Itsoseng, Molusi was the first recipient of the Royal Shakespeare Company/Baxter Theatre's Brett Goldin Bursary Award (2007), which earned the young playwright a life-changing scholarship to study with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and develop Itsoseng. The play received additional accolades at the Baxter Theatre and The Market Theatre in South Africa, the Soho Theatre in London, Everyman Theatre in Cork, Ireland and Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2010, where Molusi was recognized with a Black Theater Alliance Award in recognition of his powerful performance.

An actor and playwright, Omphile Molusi has published several plays, including The Sweet Door, Ijo! Pozeng, Itsoseng and For the Right Reasons. His performance credits in the UK and South Africa include: Itsoseng, Romeo and Juliet, The Mirror, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Much Ado About Nothing, Echoes, Blurring Shine, Julius Caesar, Love of Vultures, Angel in a Blue Dress, Kasiology and Sharpeville.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's ten-performance World's Stage presentation ofCadre runs February 15-23, 2013 in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. Performed in English with African songs in Setswana, Zulu and Xhosa. All tickets for Cadre are on sale now for $20. All patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in Navy Pier garages. Additionally, Navy Pier is offering $10 parking after 5 p.m. through March 17, 2013. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.