What started as a performance component of the Bucktown Arts Fest has taken on a life of its own: this is the fifth annual incarnation of the Rhino Fest, whose name is inspired by surrealist painter Salvador Dali’s use of the term “rhinocerontic” (it means real big). Organized this year by Beau O’Reilly, Michael Martin, and Colm O’Reilly, who have endeavored to combine a broad scope and a cutting-edge sensibility, the event closes this weekend having showcased some 25 individuals and ensembles (plus several bands), including well-known folks like Jenny Magnus, Theater Oobleck, Paula Killen, Marc Smith, the Curious Theatre Branch, John Starrs, David Hernandez, Splinter Group, Frank Melcori, Redmoon Theater, and New Crime Productions.
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Rhinoceros Theater Festival performances take place at the Curious Theatre Branch, 1836 W. North; Splinter Group Studio, 1937 W. Division; and Chicago Filmmakers, 1543 W. Division; a closing night party takes place at the Bop Shop, 1807 W. Division. The phone number for all Rhino Fest information is 384-2241. Tickets (except in special cases noted in the listings) are $7 per program or $10 for any two programs.
Jeff Dorchen and a “mystery guest” perform a series of short two-character plays Dorchen wrote, including “Prologue to Earth Be Damned,” “The Atrocity,” “Ventriloquist One,” “One Day in Germany,” and “Allegory of French Involvement in the Indochinese Opium Trade.” Splinter Group Studio, 8 PM.
The Resistance Theatre performs Canadian playwright George F. Walker’s dark comedy about a family coming to terms with the past after being abandoned by its abusive father. Splinter Group Studio, 8 PM.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Betty’s Mouth and Marianne Fieber
Three bands three, making live music for the Rhino Fest’s closing night party. Bop Shop, 9 PM. $5 at the door.
