Terra Mysterium theatre troupe presents a series of unsettling, intertwined tales from the pen of the late Dr. Alastair Tarquin Blackwell, a notorious absinthe drinker and creative from the Belle Epoch. Come meet and interact with his creations in the Victorian parlor of the Chopin Theatre, and encounter worlds seen and unseen in another world premiere performance.
There are only 3 performances, and the lounge only holds 50 seats, so be sure to get yours! Tickets are $15 and are now on sale! Purchase tickets here.
Friday, October 9th at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 10th at 3pm (matinee) & 7:30pm
Chopin Theatre (The Lounge Theatre)
1543 West Division Street
Chicago, IL. 60642
Over the past three days we've been fortunate to have some amazing photograhers in our audience who have captured the magic of "The Alembic. Ellen and Pat Prather of 8-Eyes Photography took the following images.
Tickets are $10. The Fringe Festival requires a
$5 admission button. It’s a one-time purchase that allows you to attend
Fringe events. Tickets and buttons are available at the festival’s website.
“The Alembic” is performed at Dream Theatre, 556 W 18th Street, Chicago, IL.
Remaining Showtimes:
Monday, September 3rd at 8:30 pm
Friday, September 7th at 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 8th at 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 9th at 2:30 pm
George Sorenson is a spoiled Baron who has frivolously spent the
majority of his wealth, and married for money.In the Steampunk literature and subculture, he is the charming rogue,
manipulator, and playboy.Because he is
base, leaden, and earthy in his desires, he believes that most of humanity is
truly “lower than low,” and is always looking for the “con,” because he himself
has played the cad.However, he does
have a genuine affection for Phineas, and is very protective of him, for he
believes Phineas a dreamer who only sees the good in humanity.
Sorenson possesses a key to the personal property (and often
metaphorical and actual hidden places) of all those closest to him, yet has not
been able to unlock the door to his own personal spiritual transformation.When he encounters the true powers of a
genuine Goddess what doors within himself will finally be unlocked, and what
will be unleashed?
Sorenson is portrayed by Chicago actor Sean Wilson, in his Terra Mysterium premiere.Below, you will find a
character background written by Sean and learn more delightful tidbits about
this charmer.
"The
Alembic" opens tonight as an official selection of Chicago Fringe
Fest. All performances will be presented at Dream Theatre, 556 West 18th
Street, Chicago, IL 60616
Friday, August 31st at 7pm
Saturday, September 1st at 1pm
Sunday, September 2nd at 5:30pm
Monday, September 3rd at 8:30pm
Friday, September 7th at 10pm
Saturday, September 8th at 7pm
Sunday, September 9th at 2:30pm
Admission: $15 ($5 for the mandatory Fringe Fest Button, $10 for admission to
our show)
You can purchase your button and ticket at the Dream Theatre, or here:
Favorite
color: Red Least favorite, why? Purple; mother
wore purple to just about every ball. It reminds him of lilacs. The smell is
nauseating. Favorite music? A march. Something
with strong drums. Least favorite music, why? A waltz.
Can never dance with the one I intended. Food: A thick steak, potatoes, and
red wine. Literature: Marquis De Sade. Expressions: My sweet. Expletives (curse): Hasty hell. Favorite mode of transport: Carriage
Hobbies: Gambling and, on occasion,
hunting. How do they spend a rainy day?
Complaining.
General:
Favorite clothing, why: Clean cut and with one or two
sharp colors. He likes to look sharp as a knife. Least favorite, why:The kind women wear in mourning. Jewelry or other accessories: I have
a lovely collection of cuff links, many from my father who has since passed. Drives what type of vehicle or animal:Ask his driver. It's new, that's for
sure. Where does he live: London, with his
wife. Where does he want to live: London,
alone. Spending habits, why:Only the best will do, so he is sure to invest
in appearance and parties to keep up social standing. What does he do too much of, why: he
has a habit of sleeping with women to prove a point. That he can. Most prized possession, why: His collection of keys. No door should shut
him out. People he secretly admires and why:Phineas.He longs for a partner like Phineas. Someone who accepts his advice and
skepticism. Person he is most influenced by, why:
His mother is the one who motivates him the most deeply. Her history with
George has unknowable depths. At a young age, she locked him in a closet at a
young age when he misbehaved. Most important person in his life before
story starts, why:Phineas. He is
Sorenson's only friend. The only one who listens to him. How does he spend the week just before
the story starts: In a brothel, gambling. All things that make my wife
nervous.
Traits:
Optimist
or pessimist? Why? Pessimist.He believes everyone is out for themselves. Introvert or extrovert? Why?
Extrovert. He can be quite an
entertaining host at times. Drives and motives: Driven by sex
and power. He longs for the respect of others. He gets that from women through
sex. Talents: Charm. Rhetoric. Tying a
tie. Extremely skilled at: Seduction Extremely unskilled at: Math and
science Good characteristics: He is cautious
and, if he respects you, he will protect you. He can be loyal. Character flaws: He always wants
more. There is never enough. Mannerisms: Holds a glass constantly.
Smiles too much. Peculiarities: Fingers his keys in
his pockets. Biggest regret: When attending an
all boys academy, he had a fling with one of his classmates. He became deeply
invested,eventually telling
the boy he loved him. To the other student, this was only a fling. Sorenson was crushed and extremely
embarrassed. Minor regrets: Sleeping with his
last housekeeper. Elsa had to fire her. Biggest accomplishment: Marrying
Elsa. It was for the family's survival. He can now support his mother who
philanders about France with her friends. Minor accomplishments: He has yet to
lose Elsa's clothing manufacture to her brother. Darkest secret: See biggest regret. Does anyone know? The boy involved
in the fling did tell a couple of others. They would sing "Georgie Porgie
pudding and pie, kissed the boys and made them cry, when the girls came out to
play, Georgie Porgie ran away." It destroyed him. How did they find out?: These things
were semi-known at the school. When the boy Sorenson fancied was accused of the
relationship being serious, he saved face by saying that Sorenson accosted him.
Background:
Living
situation: He is living very well, but at a
debt to his wife.
Type
of childhood:Whose childhood is easy? Extremely abused and
neglected by parents, though without violence. First Memory: Nurse throwing skirt
over his head, playing peekaboo. He could see her bloomers. Most important childhood event that
still affects him/her: His father
was always very ill and never in full health. Because of this, his mother handled much of
the discipline, locking him in a closet for hours to teach him a lesson. His
father resented him for having good health and never amounting to muchin academics.The elder Sorenson verbally abused his son. Why?His father was disempowered by his wife. Sorenson has become his father. Education: Well educated, but not
much stuck.
Religion: Atheist, though publicly Protestant. Finances: disposable allowance from
his wife.
Personality:
Are
they a daredevil or cautious?
Cautious Do they act the same alone as when with
someone? They do not. Habits: Philandering playboy. Drinks: Too much. How much: Enough to make the girls
pretty and his words loose. Greatest Strength: Sexual conquest.
Good looks Greatest Weakness: Academic
confidence. Soft spot: His parents. Is their soft spot obvious, why/why not:
Not, he's a W.A.S.P. Avoids direct
emotion. If not, how do they hide it:Avoid the topic, or diffuse the situation with
a joke at his parent's expense. Biggest Vulnerability: Believes he
is a bad guy.
Zodiac
Sign: Gemini
Myers-Briggs
type: Type B.
Enneagram
number: 4
Relationships:
Mother: Catherine Sorenson Relationship with her: Blames her of
him and for wronging his father. He rationalizes that it was in her nature as
woman. Father: Jonathan Sorenson Relationship with him: Pities and
resents him for being weak with his wife. Sought his approval. Siblings: None. Children of siblings: Single child. Other: Extended family; no one left
besides a decrepit senile aunt. He only knew her as a child, but she lives
comfortably. Close? Why or why not: Not close.
Parents too self-involved for him to visit any extended family. It carried over
into his own life.
Spouse
or Partner: Elsa Sorenson
Relationship
with her: Married for money. She lets him
get away with a lot. But when she has to, she knows right where to hit him.
Friends
and Colleagues: Phineas
Relationship
with him: Fascinated, because he doesn't
understand his goodness. Loves him because he has placed him on a pedestal.
Generally
speaking, how do they relate to other people:Sociopathically and opportunisticly.
Are
they the Hero/Heroin of the story in their own mind: No. He believes everyone
is fundamentally depraved like him. (Phineas eludes his understanding.) If not, how do they view the
Hero/Heroine: There are no heroes.
Self-perception:
One
word they would use to describe themselves: Realist.
One paragraph of how they would describe
themselves: I recognize the truth in society and therefore can use it to my
advantage. I know how to play the game and I know that selflessness is
irrational and doesn't save you. I may not have the academic knowledge, but I'm
smarter than most because I don't delude myself by thinking there is inherent
goodness in people. What do they consider their best
physical characteristic and why: My chin. It's masculine and strong. The worst one? Why? My neck. It
looks too fragile. Are they realistic assessments?
Somewhat. If not, why not? He views fragility
in himself as unattractive, although it's not. How they think others perceive them:
Hopefully, a charmer. He worries that they see him as a fool. What four things would they most like to
change about themselves: He would like to have stronger hands, complete
confidence that he is always right, a dead wife, and a sharper wit. Why? The obvious reasons. If they were changed would they be the
same person, why/why not: Yes. He would lack remorse, but he would actually
be less vicious to women (without his wife to enflame his misogynistic hatred).
Most
at ease when: Drinking with Phineas. Most ill at ease when: Alone. Priorities: Perpetuate his
reputation. Philosophies: Everyone is out for
themselves. Past failure they would be embarrassed
to admit: He loved someone once. Why? Love inspires selflessness,
which he believes is destructive. If granted one wish what would it be,
why? Elsa would die, so that he could be traveling and playing with Phineas
(once he convinced him to leave his home.)
Goals:
Immediate: Discredit Vera. Long term: Get freedom from women.
Be more like Phineas and make Phineas more like him. How do they plan to accomplish these
goals: Seduce Vera, blackmail her. Keep Phineas on his side.
Problems/Crisis:
How
do they react in a crisis: Self preserving. How do they face problems: Either
hiding, delegating the work to someone else, or sabotaging others. Kind of problems they usually run into:
Ones usually involving a woman. How they react to new problems:
Unsurprised. How they react to change: Combatant.
Astraea (Starry One), daughter of Themis and Zeus, is a Goddess in
possession of all noble virtues and, therefore, a perfect ideal to strive
towards for humanity.She is Columbia,
Liberty, and all the ideas of justice, expansion, nurturance, and is a guiding
light for humanity.She once walked
among mortals but left the world as man’s nature became increasingly more
debase and animalistic. Within the context of Steampunk, she is the Victorian
ideal, the deist construct, the ethical, and transpersonal cause towards which
we, and all humanity, should strive.
Astraea is constantly
present on stage watching, but never touching humanity.She is divine inspiration, but not
intervention.She watches her sister
Goddess’ journey, knowing all and seeing all, but hoping for the best.She knows that each of us must walk the path
of transformation ourselves, but she is always present with a kind and hopeful
eye for those who have gold in their hearts.
Astraea is
portrayed by Terra Mysterium company member Song Marshall.Below, you will find a character background
written by Song as she reflected upon the Greek mythos surrounding this lovely
Goddess and her own transformation.
"The
Alembic" opens tomorrow as an official selection of Chicago Fringe
Fest. All performances will be presented at Dream Theatre, 556 West 18th
Street, Chicago, IL 60616
Friday, August 31st at 7pm
Saturday, September 1st at 1pm
Sunday, September 2nd at 5:30pm
Monday, September 3rd at 8:30pm
Friday, September 7th at 10pm
Saturday, September 8th at 7pm
Sunday, September 9th at 2:30pm
Admission: $15 ($5 for the mandatory Fringe Fest Button, $10 for admission to
our show)
When the gods left Earth Astraea stayed behind to take care of the
people.The people looked up to her with
her youth, beauty, and wisdom. In the Golden Age, she was happiest and truly
loved humankind. With the Silver Age she became Justice and took care of the
petty squabbles we mortals had and tried to keep the peace. Then the Bronze Age
came, men began to eat meat. They started wars and killed each other for greed,
lust, power (or for no reason at all) and her heart broke. She was then Nemesis
trying the only way she had left to keep the peace, without realizing it was
only helping humankind destroy itself.
She was then taken by Zeus, her father, to live in the
constellation Virgo where she could still watch mortals, but where she would
never again dwell among them. Now that we are in the Age of Lead, staying
removed is a point of contention between Astraea and Dike.
Astraea loves the human race’s potential but is still heartbroken
over what we have become. Dike thinks the gods should help the mortals and look
after their sorrowing and heal their wounds. Astraea having tried this already
knows that it is of no use.They are
Goddesses. They are not of the mortal world, and as such they should not try to
live in a mortal world. Hoping to prove her point and quell her sister’s
restlessness, Astraea has Dike descend to earth on her own. Only by
experiencing it can she know why Astraea does not try to directly intervene.
This whole mission of Vera’s is a lesson, it is the most direct
way that Astraea can show her what she went through whilst she was on earth,
and why she won’t go back again. Vera, of course, does not understand this until
she herself becomes Nemesis. At which point Astraea has accomplished her goal.
Though she may seem cold and calculating, she is still jovial at times.She is the Maiden of the Stars, she is
youthful, but she is strong, and can be just as fierce as any other Goddess can
be.
Traits:
Optimist or pessimist? Both: Pessimist, because
of what happened when she tried to intervene, and Optimist because she is ever
hopeful that she will be able to return someday. Introvert or extrovert? Why? Introvert,
she can no longer walk on the earth as she once did. Drives and motives: Cares for
humanity, but cannot intervene; she hates what humans have become. Talents: truth, justice, poetry, art. Extremely skilled at: Watching. Extremely unskilled at: Justice
without harshness. Good characteristics: She is caring
and loving. Character flaws: She cares too much
for humanity. Mannerisms: She tries to keep her
distance. Peculiarities: Loving the people as
much she does as an Olympian. Biggest regret: The degradation of
mankind. Minor regrets: Becoming Nemesis. Biggest accomplishment: Being able
to keep some things from her time among mortals. Minor accomplishments: Being able to
sneak out without Zeus knowing. Darkest secret: She wants to go back
to Earth. Does anyone know? She doesn’t think
anyone does, and that she is able to sneak down every once in a while, but
doesn’t stay for very long. But Zeus does know. However, ever the indulgent father,
he allows it to keep her happy as long as she doesn’t stay very long. How did he find out? He is her
father; he knows her very well.
Self-perception:
One word she would use to describe
herself: Lonely One paragraph of how she would describe
herself: I appear as a young Goddess, however, that is not to say that I am
not just as powerful as any of the others. The people of the Earth loved
me.They still do in fact even if I can
no longer walk among them as I once did. I do so miss the smell of fresh
flowers, the wind on my face, the smell of the ocean; running and playing with
the children and their pets; helping scholars and poets alike, and hearing the
tales they spin. Now I merely watch, observe, and hope that a time of peace
will return to the land, and maybe, just maybe, I can return with it. What does she consider her best physical
characteristic and why:My swift
feet allow me to run between the worlds at such a pace that my father won’t be
able to catch me. The worst one? Why? My overly large
heart, it gets me into a lot of trouble… How they think others perceive her: Possibly
a little damaged. What four things would they most like to
change about herself: 1) I would like to be able to change when I come and
go; 2) I would like to live without regret; 3) I want to connect with people;
4) I want another chance If these traits were changed would she be
the same being, why/why not: I would not be the same because I would be
happier. Would changing of number 1 make them
more happy? Why/why not: It would. I would be happiest if I could have all
of it. But the freedom to roam as I pleased would definitely be a good start.
Most at ease when: I lived in the Golden Age. Most ill at ease when: Fighting with
Dike about whether or not we could turn things around for humankind. Priorities: instilling peace once
again Philosophies: Humans are genuinely
good, they just have to be coaxed into not giving in to their darker side. Past failure she would be embarrassed to
admit:Not applicable. Why? My failure is no secret,
everyone knows what I did and it breaks my heart. If granted one wish what would it be,
why? My greatest wish is that I could go back to Earth and be with the
people that I hold so dear.
Goals:
Immediate: Teach Dike a lesson. Long term: Bring back the Age of
peace and creativity. How do they plan to accomplish them:
She doesn’t know; not sure it can be done. How will others be effected by this:
Life on earth would be better.
Vera is a Goddess, a combination of
Verdhandi (her name means “That which is becoming” and she is one of the three Norns,
the Norse Goddesses of Fate), and Dike the Greek Goddess of Judgment.When Vera decides to physically incarnate as
a mortal woman in order to assist humankind, her journey is symbolic of an
“Automaton” who discovers that physical existence is more than being a complex
and beautiful machine meant for service and pleasure.
Vera’s journey leads to her own
self-discovery as she moves from a newly incarnated being to a woman who
becomes aware of the “Ghost in the Machine,” which turns out to be the immortal
soul of the Goddess of Justice herself.As such, she embraces her divine nature which allows her to follow her
own Will and make her own choices.
Vera Dikeman is
portrayed by Terra Mysterium company member, and author of “The Alembic,” Amy
Christensen.In order to learn more about Vera, you'll have to come see her journey on stage!
"The Alembic"
opens this Friday as an official selection of Chicago Fringe Fest. All
performances will be presented at Dream Theatre, 556 West 18th Street, Chicago,
IL 60616
Friday, August 31st at 7pm
Saturday, September 1st at 1pm
Sunday, September 2nd at 5:30pm
Monday, September 3rd at 8:30pm
Friday, September 7th at 10pm
Saturday, September 8th at 7pm
Sunday, September 9th at 2:30pm
Admission: $15 ($5 for the mandatory Fringe Fest Button, $10 for admission to
our show)
