The destructive relationship between famed Victorian playwright Oscar Wilde and the troublesome Lord Alfred Douglas is explored in David Hare's 1998 drama The Judas Kiss. It questions why Wilde didn't flee Great Britain after he was convicted for crimes of "gross indecency," and also shows Wilde upon his release from prison two years later. Dead Writers Theatre Collective's intimate production of The Judas Kiss plays four performances only at the Stage 773 Cabaret, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Performance times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 6 to 8, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee also on Aug. 8. Tickets are $40; call 773-305-8221 or 773-327-5252, or visit www.deadwriters.net .
Photo by Maeghan Looney
Critics' Picks
15 Breaths, About Face Youth Theatre at Chase Park, through Aug. 7. Generational differences cause a rift between a homeless queer youth and a trans* elder who takes him under her wing in this short piece created by an ensemble ranging in ages from 13 to 24. SCM
Moby Dick, Lookingglass Theatre, through Aug. 28. A "don't miss" production of the decade. Y'see, it's about this whale. The finest-ever of many stage/film versions, the truest to Melville, with more of the story retained, told with tremendous physicality and a passionate, engaging and sometimes funny cast. JA
A Perfect Ganesh, Eclipse Theatre at the Athenaeum, through Aug. 23. Terrence McNally's global views might be a trifle dated, but his elderly matrons finding what they came seeking ( guided by the Hindu deity in charge of removing obstacles ) still generates warmth and sympathy. MSB
Stupid Fucking Bird, Sideshow Theatre Company at the Greenhouse, through Aug. 30. Eat your heart out, Christopher Durang! Aaron Posner's simultaneous analysis, spoof and homage on Chekhov is even smarter than before in its bigger quarters. MSB
By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan