About this show
In a world where facts are manipulated and fear is currency, the truth becomes dangerous.
As a new authoritarian government tightens its grip on Russia, Erika Sheffer's Vladimir follows an independent journalist who uncovers a story that could expose the truth behind a nation in transition. But when every headline comes with consequences and every source becomes a target, she must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice for the story.
Vladimir is a gripping political thriller about what happens when silence becomes complicity.
Runs from Oct 2 - Nov 14
Running Time
This production runs at about 2 hours and 15 minutes including one 10 minute intermission
Content advisory
This production includes the following: Mature/Adult themes, Drug Abuse, Death, Strong Language, and Flashing Lights
DIGITAL PROGRAM
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Accessible Performances
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Friday, Nov 6th at 7:30 pm
(6:15 pm touch tour, 7:30 pm curtain)
Open-Captioned Public Performance:
Sunday, Nov 8th at 3 pm
What Should Audiences Expect?
The Artists
PLAYWRIGHT: Erika Sheffer
DIRECTOR: Lou Contey
SET DESIGN: Joe Shermoly
COSTUMES: KClare McKellaston
LIGHTING: Shelley Strasser
PROPS: Cecilia Chan
PROJECTIONS: Erin Pleake
ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN:
Christopher Kriz
DIALECT COACH: Elise Kauzlaric
DRAMATURG: Maren Robinson
STAGE MANAGER: Tina Jach
PRODUCTION MANAGER: E Tylkowski
FEATURED ENSEMBLE MEMBERS
Lou Contey, Ellie Fey, Tina Jach, Rebecca Jordan,
Drew Schad, Adam Schulmerich, Shelley Strasser
The Cast
RAYA: Rebecca Jordan
KOSTYA: Adam Schulmerich
YEVGENY: Tristan Odenkirk
GALINA: Juliana Liscio
JIM: Drew Schad
CHOVKA: Kseniya Janyan
ANDREI/OLD MAN/DEACON: Steve Peebles
DIRECTOR/VITALY/NEWS PERSONALITY/SASHA: Ben Perry
DAUGHTER/MASHA/TV CREW: Isabel Alamein
TATIANA/BARTENDER/CLERK: Laila Malak
VLADIMIR is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
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Erika Sheffer is a playwright and screenwriter based in Los Angeles. Her first play, Russian Transport, premiered at The New Group and went on to productions at Steppenwolf as well as other regional and international theaters. The Fundamentals was commissioned and produced by Steppenwolf. Her latest play, Vladimir was commissioned by The Geffen Playhouse and received its world premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club. Honors include the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award, multiple TCG Edgerton Grants, and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. She is an alum of Ars Nova Playgroup and a member of Center Theatre Group’s LA Writer’s Workshop. Erika has held commissions from Steppenwolf, The Geffen Playhouse, Center Theatre Group and Manhattan Theatre Club. Screen credits include Apple TV’s Little America and Netflix’s The Beast in Me (Writers Guild nomination) as well as multiple development rooms for Apple TV, Starz and Sony.
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Lou Contey is a long-time Ensemble Member with Shattered Globe Theatre. He recently directed the multiple award-winning production of A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE. Shattered Globe credits include THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, ALL MY SONS, WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, PETER PAN, LES LIASONS DANGEREUSE, WARHAWKS AND LINDBERGHS, HOLY GHOSTS, JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG, REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT, THE WHALESHIP ESSEX, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, THE TALL GIRLS, THE HEAVENS ARE HUNG IN BLACK and many others. Among his more than eighty directing credits are THE PRICE, AWAKE AND SING!, IT’S ALL TRUE, COPENHAGEN, PRAVDA, PARADISE LOST, THE GENERAL FROM AMERICA, A HOUSE WITH NO WALLS, LILLIAN, FROST/NIXON, THE GUYS, and THE APPLE FAMILY PLAYS, all at TimeLine where he is an Associate Artist. Other Chicago credits include THE MASTER AND MARGARITA (Strawdog Theatre); IN A GARDEN (A Red Orchid Theatre); MARRIAGE PLAY, DUCK VARIATIONS (The Goodman Theatre), and HAYMARKET EIGHT (Steppenwolf). He has also worked at Theatre at the Center, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Provision Theatre, Eclipse Theatre & American Theatre Company. He has taught acting and directing for the theatre programs at UIC, The Acting Studio, Act One Studio and The Theatre School/DePaul University.
“the drama crackles, full of tension, intrigue and poignancy.”
