A new theatrical production, “Looking Glass,” a reimagined version of Thomas Lodge and Robert Greene’s 1594 play “A Looking Glass for London and England,” is set to be presented in Fargo as part of its July and August tour. Co-directed by Che Flory, this production marks its first staging since the closure of theaters in 1642, offering a contemporary and provocative interpretation of the historical work.
Very queer, very debaucherous, and uses the line between sex and religion as a jumprope.
The production intricately weaves together three distinct, hedonistic plots, all converging with Jonah’s arrival in Nineveh. The first storyline follows a king who lives in opulent indulgence, torn between the desire to marry his sister and the passionate affections of her lover. This love triangle is steeped in themes of desire, power, and familial loyalty, exploring the blurred lines of morality within a regal court.
The second, comedic plot features a clown whose devotion to the philosophy of ale is a cautionary tale. Meanwhile, the third storyline depicts two men who seek to dismantle the grip of capitalism on their lives after one loses the family cow. These diverse narratives illustrate various forms of vice, from lust and greed to drunkenness and social injustice.
This production marks a significant return to the stage since the theatres’ closing in 1642, embodying a queer and debaucherous spirit. With bold performances and creative staging, it plays with the intersection of sex and religion, using this provocative theme as a metaphorical jumprope that allows the characters to leap between desire and devotion, chaos and order.
Creative Team and Performers
The production is directed by both Casey Hennessy and Che Flory. The cast features Asher Alcantara in multiple roles including Rasni, Alcon, Master Mariner, and Smith’s Wife; Cory Drozdowski as Radagon, Adam, Thrasibulus, and Sailor; Che Flory as Paphlagonia, Usurer, Ruffian, Angel, Cilicia, Devil, and 1 Searcher; Jasmine Hawkins portraying Remilia, Peter, Judge, Smith, Jonas, Clesiphon, Priest, and Lord; and Casey Hennessy as Alvida, Signor Mizaldo, Samia, Merchant, and 2 Searcher.
Production roles include Asher Alcantara for costumes, Casey Hennessy for lights and sound, Cory Drozdowski for fight direction, Che Flory for intimacy direction, and Jasmine Hawkins handling publicity and marketing.
About the Co-Director, Che Flory
Che Flory, a multifaceted artist, is involved in the performing arts as an actor, director, dramaturg, playwright, essayist, and novelist. Their artistic preferences lean towards fiery new works and high-energy classics, with an appreciation for challenging established norms. Flory’s academic background includes a BFA in Performance from North Dakota State University, and they are currently pursuing a Master of Letters in Shakespeare and Performance at Mary Baldwin University.
They are a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of North America. Their play, “Studio Apartment,” is set to tour the East Coast, and “1217 is Having Faith & Belief in Your Guardian Angels” is available on the New Play Exchange. Flory is also developing a queer romance novel and additional full-length plays.
Tour Information
The “Looking Glass” tour includes stops in Kansas City, Fargo, Omaha, and Chicago throughout July and August. For more performance information, visit the Che Flory website.
