OUR FINAL PRODUCTION OF THE 2007-2008 SEASON:
 Bloody Bess; A Tale of Piracy and Revenge
conceived by Stuart Gordon
written by William J. Norris and John Ostrander
Directed by Geoff Coates
June 13-July 20, 2008
in association with DCA Theatre
The Storefront Theatre @ Gallery 37
66 East Randolph Street-Chicago
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays @ 7:30pm
Sundays @ 3pm
To reserve tickets please call 312-742-TIXS (8497)
Or visit www.dcatheater.org
Tickets are $15-20
Check out the Dueling Critics review on Chicago Public Radio
http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=26192
The Chicago Tribune says:
“It's ‘Kill Bill’ on the high seas, and it's a blast.”
“…director Geoff Coates …and his gang of scurvy knaves and knavettes kick up a storm in the Storefront space—and provide an exciting alternative to politer (and pricier) downtown fare.”
“…for those who prefer their summer action practically in their laps, it's hard to imagine a more satisfying night of theater.”
Time Out Chicago says:
"In BackStage Theatre's sprightly revival, director Coates's background as a fight choreographer comes in handy with the nearly nonstop action sequences."
The Chicago Reader say:
“Sometimes playful and sometimes gripping, Bloody Bess combines brains with brawn—it’s exciting enough to make even the most jaded viewer go ‘Arrrr!’ “
“Eva Swan buries herself completely in Bess’s unquenchable rage, hatred, and lust for revenge… “
Windy City Times says:
"Under [director Geoff Coates' and co-fight director Dave Skvarla's] guidance, the spectacle-driven narrative (enhanced by Tom Haigh's original music, invoking vistas of limitless adventure) delivers thrilling martial exhibitions showcasing the multicultural composition of the bandit privateers."
"Pass the rum, matey!"
ChicagoCritic.com says:
“Kudos to Geoff Coates and Dave Skvarla for their breathtaking fight choreography.”
"Recommended"
"This stunt-filled adventure is fun."
Centerstage Chicago says:
“’Bloody Bess’ offers light-hearted fun and over-the-top drama for those who enjoy live-action piracy.”
Featuring BackStage Ensemble Member:
 Mr. Kuzava was last seen with BSTC in 2007's production of The Ruling Class.
Also Featuring Alumni BackStage Performers:
 Ms Swan has been seen in the BSTC productions The Skin of Our Teeth and Zombies from the Beyond.
Mr. Graham was seen earlier this season in Waiting for Lefty.
Featuring Backstage Ensemble Designers: Heath Hays-Set Design & Matt Roth-Lighting Design
The Story: Bloody Bess, originally done by Chicago's own Organic Theatre, is a swashbuckling thriller that tells the story of Elizabeth Presberty, daughter to the governor of the island of Tobago . After being taken prisoner by the pirate vessel The God's Love, she returns home to face betrayal and the murder of those she loves. Elizabeth sheds her name and societal status to become Bloody Bess, a ruthless pirate captain who seeks to exact her revenge on those who have done her wrong.
""Bloody Bess," by William Norris and John Ostrander, the story of a woman pirate's revenge on the evil aristocrat who had raped her and murdered her father, was at once a full-out, stunt-filled evocation of old swashbucklers and an early, bristling feminist statement."
- Richard Christiansen
 Eaton (Scott Graham) reveils his plan to destroy the God's Love to Elizabeth (Eva Swan).
 Annie Baily (Stephanie Repin) reminds Elizabeth (Eva Swan) who is in charge.
 Calico Jack (Dave Skvarla) takes the upper hand agains Annie Baily (Stephanie Repin).
 Eaton (Scott Graham) and Bloody Bess (Eva Swan) do battle on the deck of the God's Love.
Above photos by Johnny Knight
 Bloody Bess (Eva Swan)exacts her revenge!
Above photo by Heath Hays
| 
