"Under Timothy Douglas’ thoughtful and precise direction...The Lake Effect cements Mr. Joseph as one of our most formidable new playwrights." - Michael J. Roberts, Showbiz Chicago

"Entrancing family mystery play that skillfully grips the audience's attention and curiosity." - Scott C. Morgan, Windy City Times

"A sharply acted world premiere...It is fun to watch the fine trio of actors in this 90-minute drama." - Hedy Weiss, Chicago Suntimes

"Involving world-premiere production...quirky, intimate, character-driven...Joseph's writing is smart and funny." - Tony Adler, Chicago Reader

"Terrific production values...Director Timothy Douglas wisely keeps the pace clipped and edgy...it is no small feat to have a world premiere be as effective as this." - Tony Frankel, Stage and Cinema

"Joseph's rich storytelling abilities — under the direction of Timothy Douglas — are enough to pull you into the story." - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

"The playwright’s keen eye for tense, one-on-one human interaction is given top billing...Timothy Douglas’ direction intensifies each moment to a point of crackling satisfaction." - Johnny Oleksinski, Newcity

"This play will grab you and keep you interested throughout...a 'must see' event." - Tom Williams, Chicago Critic

"With three, wonderfully layered characters, Joseph creates a puzzle of interlocking pieces that eventually forms a most unexpected and emotionally fraught family portrait." - Catey Sullivan, Chicago Theatre Beat

"A beautifully told story... a solid script and good direction along with actors who truly understand the characters." - Al Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago

"The flawed characters are believable and the dialogue is genuine and clever...I didn’t want the story to end." - Katy Walsh, Chicago Now

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

a staged reading
written by Meena Natarajan
adapted from the poem by Farid ud Din Attar
directed by Dipankar Mukherjee

Friday, June 28 at 8pm
Saturday, June 29 at 8pm
Sunday, June 30 at 4pm

Conference of the Birds metaphorically maps out the journey of the
human ego and the quest for truth. In this classic tale, the birds of
the world take flight on a pilgrimage to find their celebrated king,
but the dangers and hardships encountered along the way cause many
in the flock to abandon their search. In the end the small number of
birds that survive uncover a profound secret.

Presented in collaboration with the Ismaili Community of Chicago,
an Artistic and Cultural Diversity Initiative funded by The Chicago
Community Trust.

Tickets are $10 each. Click here to buy online or call (312) 857-1234 x201.