Dream season: 16th Street Theater in Berwyn to stage ‘Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs’

Another season is about to launch at Berwyn's 16th Street Theater, where Artistic Director Ann Filmer provides a sneak peek at coming attractions with the common theme, "The American Dream." Complementing the five plays will be a Berwyn Reads! citywide project in collaboration with the theater, with the library set to announce the title soon.

How did you craft this sixth season, and what's the first, one-man play about?
I'm really fascinated by the role of storytellers in society. I love what Picasso said: "Art is the lie that enables … the truth." That's why I love this piece, 'The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs 2.0.' It kicks us into where we are today in terms of our economy being not centered in our country — anywhere but. Are we also exporting the poor conditions we used to work under before there were unions and laws? Exported them elsewhere and out of sight, so we can have our cheap goods — and what are the repercussions of that? (Note: The show stars Jeff Award winner Lance Baker.)

The playwright, Juan Francisco Villa, performs 'Empanada for a Dream?'
I'm so thrilled. He's an ensemble member of Teatro Vista. "Empanada" is co-produced with them. It is an unbelievable story that is true. It's a story about his neighborhood, growing up on the Lower East Side of New York, and his uncle and the business they were involved in. Juan is an amazing performer. The piece is so full of joy and full of life, even though the tale itself can be harrowing at times.

The show '8,' about California's Prop. 8, will have a reading in Oak Park.
This is a piece that has been traveling across the country. It's the actual transcript of the trial of Perry vs. Schwarzenegger. I think people will be incredibly moved by the testimony of the plaintiff. It shows us how threatened we can be of love. It's a cast of 23. We'll have some high-profile Chicago actors in that. It is co-produced with the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association. (Note: The play is by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black ["Milk" and "J. Edgar"].)

What is the next play about?
"Living Large in a Mini Kind of Way" is based on a true story (by) Diane Rodriguez. A woman who worked for her family as a domestic did steal a Social Security number. This really inspired her to delve into the issue of how far would one go to acquire a Social Security number. (It also explores) the differences between assimilated immigrants and the new immigrants. Diane writes (in) almost a … fantastical style. It's definitely a comedy. It's really fun — a candy-coated play that then deals with deeper issues. It succeeds.

And 'Broken Fences?'
I've wanted to do this play since 2009, and finally got the rights. This is going to be the world premiere. It is about gentrification and about one couple who's moving into a neighborhood which is very quickly gentrifying, and the neighbors who are being pushed out … even though they've lived there for generations. The property taxes have increased to such an extent that they can no longer afford them. It is a question of … what is progress and who is progress for? Steven (Simoncic) is a wonderful writer. I think that's going to be one of the highlights. … The American Dream is a subject that we all think about all the time, and I think, especially now — wondering how did we get here, and where are we going next.

Your take on the role of theater?
For me, it's always about the same thing. Theater is dialogue. It's bringing together a diverse group of people sitting side by side in the dark — I think if we're talking to each other, we're doing the right thing.

See the show

What: "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs 2.0" to open at 16th Street Theater

Where: 6420 16th St., Berwyn

When: Jan. 10 to Feb. 9 with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturdays. There's no 5 p.m. show on Feb. 9, and an added 7:30 p.m. show on Feb. 4

How much: $18; $48 for three-play subscription; $100 for all six, plus perks; 708-795-6704, www.16thstreettheater.org