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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 http://www.steadstylechicago.com/heddatron.htm Page 1 of 2 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.” http://www.steadstylechicago.com/heddatron.htm Page 2 of 2