River Of Life

What does the River of Life look like? I just saw it in the play "The Other Shore" by Nobel Price Laurent playwright, Gao Xingjian, on Valentine's Day with a group of friends, art lovers, organized by Eric Lin. Eric's daughter, Christine Lin, is the custome designer in the show.

If you are in the Chicago area, hope you make time to see this rare gem before it ends on next Sunday, Feb 21st. It takes some interpretation and reflection on your part. At the end, your willingness to explore the deep meaning of life pays off.

Great cast. Watch out for a few raising shining stars. Trust me. If you see this show, someday, you will say, oh, I saw so and so back when . . .

They performed in the basement of the Methodist Church during the cold winter month in the North side of Chicago.

With the minimalist setting, it's pretty bare alright. Less is more. And that's what great performance is all about. You will concentrate totally on their expression and gesture, on the performance, rather than the stage backdrop. I was floating in the river with them, all the way home. Someday, I, too, will get to the other shore.

(the following is from their press release)

Nobel Prize winner Gao Xingjian's greatest work for the stage, The Other Shore explores the desperate human struggle to reach a state of nirvana by crossing the river of life to the other shore. According to Buddhist belief, humans experience an actual visible life full of suffering, but by living according to the virtues of paramilitary, morality, patience, meditation and wisdom, they can cross the "river of life" to the other shore and experience enlightenment. The Crowd, Man, Woman, The Card Player, and others engage in a symbolic struggle over the conflict between the individual and collective will. Using a dazzling array of styles, unconventional staging and lively characters Xingjian's staggering work shadows the individual human experiences of solitary struggle for meaning and enlightenment.

Continuing through February 21, 2009
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00; Sundays at 6:00

For Reservations: 312.458.9170 or halcyontheatre.org/boxoffice
Tickets on Thursdays and Sundays: $15 in advance, $18 at the door
Tickets on Fridays and Saturdays: $17 in advance, $20 at the door
$10 Tickets for Students and Seniors are available for all performances
For more info on discounts and special offers: halcyontheatre.org/specialoffers

Parking:
On street parking is available on a first come first serve basis. Off street parking is available after 5 pm at the Social Security Office Parking lot at 2127 W. Lawrence Ave. and at the Community Bank of Ravenswood at 2300 W. Lawrence. Pick up a free parking pass at the box office before parking in either of these lots or print the pass below and place it on the driver's side of your windshield.

Public Transportation:
The Lincoln Square Theatre is easily accessible by CTA. It is a short walk from the Brown Line at Damen (Reopened in December) or Western stops, the Metra UP-N line (At Ravenswood and Lawrence) or by the Lawrence Ave bus (#81).

Continuing through February 21, 2009
Halcyon: 312.458.9170 halcyontheatre.org/boxoffice

If you are going, please let me know. I would like to join you and watch it again. Yes, I like it that much.

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“Flow”
Acrylic on Museum Board
Flat Art 32 X 20 inches
S. Wang & D. Van Alstyne Collection

Available as Giclee in any dimensions other than the original size to avoid any confusion. 312-635-3800 Giclee@segami.com