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1985 in Chicago Sun-Times QUICK HITS

Posted by DCA Theater on September 23, 2010 in July-December 2010 Season, Factory Theater's "1985"

Playwright Chas Vrba sat down with Elliott Harris, Quick Hits sports columnist with the Chicago Sun-Times, to discuss the Bears, George Orwell and his upcoming play 1985 at Chicago DCA Storefront Theater.  Here’s an excerpt below:

September 23, 2010

Bring up 1985, and Bears fans will think fondly of the season that brought the team its first (uh, and only) Super Bowl crown.

That season helped inspire Chas Vrba to write ‘‘1985.’‘

Vrba took time to answer some Quick Hits questions:

1. Might fans be better off reminiscing about 25 years ago - even in an Orwellian setting?

CV: I think it was Studs Terkel who pointed out ‘‘Hope Dies Last.’’ When the 2010 Bears started 0-3 in the preseason, the hardcore Bears fan could point to the 1985 team as having done the exact same thing. However, the ‘85 team also kicked the snot out of the [Buffalo] Bills in their final preseason game, whereas the 2010 team lost to a Cardinals team that felt comfortable releasing their ‘‘franchise’’ quarterback shortly after the game. So yeah, even in an Orwellian setting, the old memories might be of more value to a fans well-being than the memories that stand to be created by the current squad. Although, the current ‘‘One City, One Team’’ ad campaign suggests the team might be setting up an Orwellian Universe for the present day.

2. What genre of play might be best suited for the 2010 team?

CV: I would imagine a good mystery or old fashioned ‘‘whodunit’’ would serve them well. They are definitely experienced in searching for clues and trying to find answers. Then again, perhaps a slapstick comedy. Being able to laugh might not be such a bad thing.

To read the full interview online CLICK HERE
 

And check out video below for Elliott Harris’s video interview with playwright, Chas Vrba and director, Eric Roach: