CHICAGO (CBS) — A gripping story brings an Oscar nominee and Chicago favorite to an intimate local stage.
The writer and director of “Turret” is now playing at A Red Orchid Theater in Chicago.
CBS 2 spoke with the writer and director of “Turret” about the production, now staged by A Red Orchid Theater.
On film, two-time Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon is known for his intense performances.
And it fits perfectly with the dystopian world in ‘Turret’. Shannon plays Green, one of two men who survive in an underground bunker after a terrifying event in the world beyond.
The other is Rabbit, played by Travis A. Knight. Theirs is a dark world characterized by gruesome monotony.
Tensions arise with the arrival of Lawrence Grimm as ‘Birdy’, a mysterious and dangerous stranger.
Playwright Levi Holloway said the script explores masculinity, loss and isolation.
The director said the Orwellian thriller is also about fathers and sons.
How did he even come up with the idea for “Turret”?
“I’ve always been a big horror and science fiction fan since I was a kid. My dad introduced me to the genre when I was probably a little too young for it. But it made an impression, and we bonded because of it.” Holloway said.
What is it about the genres that appeal to Holloway?
“I really appreciate stories about characters in extreme circumstances. Because those circumstances usually force our characters to change,” Holloway said.
Does he feel like audiences are more open to stories about dystopian societies and themes?
“With what’s going on socially and politically, I think it’s resonating with audiences in new ways, post-2020,” Holloway said, adding that he was thrilled to have Shannon in the cast.
“It’s a dream. I couldn’t wait to write for him. So I had his voice in my head. And he’s such a collaborator in the room. He’s brilliant. Everybody’s in the room. And I think having Mike (Shannon) in something like this is so personal and so strange, an absolute dream come true.
The director said the Orwellian thriller is also about fathers and sons.
Red Orchid Theater presents “Turret” through June 22, and it has an extended run at the Chopin Theater.
