Four Places By Joel Drake Johnson

Deceptively simple in its structure and unfolding in real time, this emotionally precise play employs its spare components to devastating and darkly comic effect.  A middle-aged brother and sister have gotten word from their elderly parents' caretaker that they may be a danger to each other. The brother joins his sister and mother on their weekly lunch date, hoping that he and his sister can get a clearer picture of the situation.  As the mother confronts the indignities of age, and the children stare down a mounting list of losses and disappointments, a harrowing image of the family emerges. Johnson explores the ways that familial love and knowledge create both hurt and comfort.  

Joel Drake Johnson (December 28, 1949-January 11,2020) was a brilliant and treasured Chicago playwright, teacher and mentor. He and his plays left an indelible mark on our hearts.  Among them are:  Rasheeda Speaking, A Fall to Earth, A Blue Moon, Before My Eyes, and The End of the Tour. 
 

Time: Present
Setting:  A small city just outside of Chicago

Running Time:  90 minutes with no intermission

Founded in 2018,  4 Chairs Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre committed to providing a safe and positive space for people of all ages, cultures, genders, races, abilities and walks of life.  Our performances, original works, and educational programs breathe humanity, empathy and truth.  We amplify voices that are often excluded, and uncover hearts that are often hidden. By replacing "You're too..." and You'll never..." with "You're enough.." and "You will…", we aspire to change the world, one show at a time. 

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