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Heddatron Sideshow Theatre at Steppenwolf Garage Rep
2/28/11 10:10 PM
Chicago Stage Style
February 2011 Review by Tyler Tidmore
Heddatron
Remember back in the year 2000 when the
more paranoid people of America predicted the
end of the world with the Y2K scandal? The
alleged rumor was that computers and machines
would rise up and take control of man-kind. Of
course I was very young at the time, so I slept
my way right through. But robot enthusiasts
rejoice! Thanks to the dynamically creative team
known as the Sideshow Theatre Company,
audiences can now experience a cultivating new
theatre show featuring live robots alongside
human actors. This Chicago premiere will
dazzle audiences during its eleven week run;
what sort of play could deserve such a high
recommendation you ask? None other than
Elizabeth Meriwether’s “Heddatron”.
Now before we get too in depth with this play, take a moment to understand that this is not your typical
sci-fi venture. Even though the classic scientific tale of humans versus machines does come into play,
it isn’t overly done to make things seem boring or nerdy. In all my experience with theatre I have
never once come across anything even remotely related to a production like this. Along with Sideshow
Company members such as Matt Fletcher and Nate Whelden, “Heddatron” will feature several remote
controlled robots. These are full length, fully functional robotic machines; capable of moving,
interacting, and speaking with one another. A brilliant idea created by Sideshow in association with
Chibots, the Chicago Area Robotics Group.
We find Jane Gordon (Nina O’Keefe), a middle aged pregnant Michigan housewife being held against
her will by a squadron of robots. Unable to break free from their grasp, the robots force her to act out
the lead role of Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler”. Another one of Ibsen’s plays that received negative
views during its time but has managed to be recognized as a classic today for its mark on realism. I
guess even robots want to feel the need to experience theatre; making the connection to humans even
greater.
While Jane is stuck away trapped by her robotic captors, her
husband and young daughter race to find her location. Under the
assumption she’s been abducted by robots, her family take the
measures needed to save their beloved wife and mother from a
torment unlike any other. “Heddatron” is an interesting tale about
what happens when robots question their existence and why they
must call humans “master”. Now I’m sure you’re thinking this
story sounds like a dreadful waste of time, and honestly if I read a
synopsis such as this I would be skeptical to buy tickets as well.
But the plot remarkably is not to be expected. I will admit there
are a few moments of confusion, but Meriwether’s work is a
hilarious spectacle that audiences will enjoy.
While robots roam the stage you’ll notice that are a number of
other things that deserve some attention. First of all the
costumes by designer David Hyman are some of the best I’ve
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Heddatron Sideshow Theatre at Steppenwolf Garage Rep
2/28/11 10:10 PM
seen recently. He designed costumes for both the actors and the
robots. Along with robotic designers Lisi Stoessel and Bruce
Phillips, with robot body constructer Sean K. Walters, Director
Jonathan L. Green was able to spring these robotic contraptions
to life. Bringing a completely new theatre experience to Chicago
theatre.
It’s safe to say that the robot attack going on down at Steppenwolf’s garage theatre is definitely
something worth seeing. “Heddatron” is a part of Steppenwolf’s second annual Garage Rep
showcase. The number one reason I would recommend this production is to see how technology is
fastly changing the stage. The robotic life forms are an exciting new concept beautifully crafted by
Sideshow Theatre Company. For more information on this show, please visit the Theatre In Chicago
Heddatron page.
About Tyler Tidmore
A veteran of the south, and an aspiring young director,
Tyler Tidmore's life revolves around theater. Originally
from Clarksville Tennessee, Tyler moved to the big city to
pursue a career in Directing and Playwright while studying
at Columbia College Chicago. He hopes to one day open
a theater and influence younger actors the same way
mentors in his life influenced him, by introducing the
magnificent form of entertainment called theatre.
Tyler's contributions to the theater world have been
centered around writing and acting. He wrote sketch
comedy and news segments for two years at a local news
program called The Northwest Review. On the side Tyler
starred in over eight productions, some of his favorites
include “Words Words Words”, “The Foreigner”, and “The
Brother's Grimm Spectaculathon”. He considers the
highlight of his young life to be when he played the tyrant
king Creon in Sophocles' “Antigone”. His acting skills
granted him the honor of attaining “State All-Star Cast Member” two years in a row and obtaining first
place in “Duo Acting” at the State-wide Dickson Drama Comp. “Chicago theatre is doing great things
for me, I'm in a good position for what I wish to do with my life.”
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