"There are only two kinds of thoughts: memories and imagination. This story of two couples finding, living, and losing love weaves through time, distance, dreams, and heartbreak. "

A Lover’s Dismantling: Fragments of a Scenic Discourse will open the Alcyone festival on July 12^th at 7:30pm. Learn a little more about each of the four actors in the play and hear what they have to say about the play, their characters and the rehearsal process.

Riso Straley

Is this your first time working with Halcyon?

This will be my fourth production with Halcyon.

What aspect of the character you’re playing are you most challenged and excited by?

The most challenging aspect of my character is most likely the "speed-dating" scene. A lot is going on and I'm having to portray multiple types of characters and at the same time try to make sense of it all. It's a very complicated scene with many moving parts. But I love the challenge and I'm really excited about tackling it head-on. I think this is such a beautifully written piece and just amaze-balls.

What’s been one of your favorite moments from rehearsal so far?

So far my favorite moments of rehearsal has to be just working with my fellow cast-mates and Alex, the director. I love the chemistry with everyone and I'm relieved to be working with such a talented, and super chill group. I'm gonna go as far to say…we the shit. Just throwing it out there. I don't think that really answered your question so…all of rehearsals are my favorites, even the ones that haven't happened. That's just how awesome we are. [droppin' the mic, challenge made]

Laura Stephenson

Is this your first time working with Halcyon?

Yes, it is-- and I'm very thankful to work with such great people.

What aspect of the character you’re playing are you most challenged and excited by?

The piece itself is super complicated already! And as we've been working on this play, I've realized this is the most open and vulnerable I will have been in a while (on stage, that is). But I also love that because it brings so much honesty to the piece, and it also makes me thankful for the small ensemble that we have because I can completely trust them.

What’s been one of your favorite moments from rehearsal so far?

This is tough--  I'm amazed by how incredible the process has been so far! But I guess, there are short moments where we get to play other characters, and seeing all of us goofing around trying to figure out what to do with them is a ton of fun.

Jin Kim

Is this your first time working with Halcyon?

This is my second show with Halcyon - I was a part of last year's production of Family Devotions.

What aspect of the character you’re playing are you most challenged and excited by?

The nature of this show is such that the characters are the actors, or the actors are the characters. Case in point, the playwright's instruction: "(T)he names (of the characters) should be changed to match those of the actors in future workshops and productions." What's both challenging and exciting then, for me, is the stark vulnerability that comes with being myself on stage.

What’s been one of your favorite moments from rehearsal so far?

Our director bought us pizza.

Alexis Schaetzle

Is this your first time working with Halcyon?

This is my first time working with Halcyon! I recently moved to Chicago, and upon researching all sorts of Chicago Theatre companies, I was drawn to Halcyon because they have produced some of my FAVORITE writers; Lorca, Jose Rivera, etc. So excited to be working with them, especially on Elena's beautiful play.

What aspect of the character you’re playing are you most challenged and excited by?

I am most challenged by the truth for me in this part. The loss of love is something that I am just recently finding myself experiencing, so a lot of the elements in this show are very, very real to me.

What’s been one of your favorite moments from rehearsal so far?

I have really been so excited by the rich, colorful table work that we did with Alex (the director). He's so good at asking us the right questions, and he's so good with actors. I've come home so happy and fulfilled after hours of winding through and digging to solve and question and bring life to Elena's play.