“The Passions of Emma Goldman”

Recommended *** When growing up, in our history classes, we learned about some of the women who “made a difference”. I tried to think back to those days and the name Emma Goldman. I could not recall why I knew the name, but I am sure that either in school or around my home, the name had been mentioned. Now thanks to Roslyn Alexander, one of Chicago’s top performers and director Dennis Zacek, and the one person solo performance “The Passions of Emma Goldman”, I am aware of who she was and what she did!

Russian born, Ms  Goldman came to the United States in the late 1800’s. Her goal in life was to bring a new social order to the world where women were treated as equals. She was a believer that society was unjust and that woman needed liberty, harmony and “true” social justice, not just rhetoric!. Due to her outlandish claims ( as they were called by those who disliked her ideas and ideals), she was criticized and despised, while her admirers, placed her upon a pedestal for her fights for the issues of sexual and reproductive rights for women, workers rights ( she herself has worked in the sweat shops) and prison reform, as well as the right to vote. She is someone to remember!

In this sparkling 90 minutes ( no intermissions) Ms Alexander ( she wrote the play) takes us deep inside the thoughts of this woman, far ahead of her time as she gives up her own needs and desires to  express and fight for her convictions.Many of the rights that our mothers, wives and daughters have had are due to this woman, who many of us know only as a name. Her deeds are ones that should be taught and  this production is one that under the careful eye of Mr. Zacek will leave an imprint on all who see it. The set ( Rachel Claxton) is a study filled with letters and books  and other memorabilia. The intimacy of the smaller theater at Stage 773 where this show runs through  June 1st brings us very close to Ms. Alexander and her portrayal of Ms Goldman. The show will move to The Skokie Theatre located at 7924 N. Lincoln Avenue on June 4th and continue there until June 22nd. While that theater is a bit larger and the stage elevated, I am sure the intimacy will still be felt as Ms. Alexander and Mr. Zacek will make the adjustments for the change of venue. They are after all, “Pros”!

While at Stage 773 located at 1225 West Belmont, the performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

At The Skokie Theatre, the performances will be Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $28, open seating, $24 for Seniors and $18 fior students with a valid ID and can be purchased by calling  Stage 773  773-327-5252   www.stage773.com

or 847-677-7761  www.skokietheatre.com

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-up and click at “”The Passions of Emma Goldman”