Lincoln Square Resident Jill Oliver Cast In "Middle Passage"

Lincoln Square Resident Jill Oliver to be featured as a cast member in Lifeline Theatre's production of Middle Passage. Oliver will portray the role of Tom in this production running February 24 through April 5 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. For tickets and more information visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.

In Middle Passage, the story follows Rutherford Calhoun, a newly freed Illinois slave eking out a living in 1830 New Orleans, stows away aboard The Republic, an outbound rigger, to evade debtors enforcing marriage. But his clever escape backfires as the clipper turns out to be a slave ship bound for Africa. Calhoun must choose between a fanatical captain, a mutinous crew, and the Africans seeking escape. Building on a tradition of African American storytelling, this tale challenges perceptions of American identity using a Black aesthetic. We are at a critical historical moment in which issues such as racism, classism, poverty, and the meaning of freedom impact us all.
Based on Dr. Charles Johnson’s epic tale, of the same name, Middle Passage is directed by Lifeline Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan and is also co-adapted by Duncan and David Barr III. Opening night is Monday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Feb. 14 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Feb. 15 and 22 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb.16 at 4 p.m.). Regular performance times (February 27 – April 5) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.