The Language Archive
The Language Archive
by Julie Cho
Directed by Dana Anderson
April 28 – May 28, 2023
About the show: A quirky, comic drama about communication—its potential and its limits —this romantic parable for our times features a linguist at a loss for words, especially the vocabulary of the heart. Balanced delightfully between affection and adversity, it is the whimsical, life-affirming chronicle of a brilliant scientist who fights to preserve the dying languages of far-flung cultures, only to neglect the promise and passion of his own. Winner of the 2010 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for Playwrighting.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Dana Anderson* - Director
Anna Vu - Production Stage Manager
Miguel Salgado, Jr - Stage Manager/Asst. Production Manager
Bethany Hart - Dialect and Vocal Coach
Kelley Holcomb - Assistant Dialect and Vocal Coach
Jeremiah Barr*+ - Scenic/Props Designer/Technical Director
Robert Tobin* - Sound Designer/Producer
Samantha Barr* - Production Manager
Andrés Mota - Costume Designer
Becca Venable - Sound Designer
Lea Tobin* - Graphic Designer/Box Office Manager
Derek Bertelsen* - Producer/Marketing
*denotes member of AstonRep
+denotes Covid Safety Officer
CAST
Aja Alcazar* - Emma
Erin O’Brien* - Mary
Sean William Kelly* - George
Génesis Sánchez - Alta/Ensemble
Jorge Salas - Resten/Ensemble
James Arthel Reilly - George Understudy
Kelley Holcomb - Emma/Mary Understudy
Reviews
“"The Language Archive delivers a dynamic, touching chronicle that braids together linguistics and love. AstonRep’s final production is packed with thrilling performances, especially from Sánchez and Salas, and though it’s not a traditional rom-com, it’s just as heart-stirring.”
— Chicago Reader
“Featuring a strong cast and guided by Dana Anderson, a skilled, perceptive and talented director, this finale to 15 years of excellence is a must-see.”
— Chicago Theatre Review
“Derek Bertelsen directs a new production that feels fresh and au courant once again. His production, consumed by an overwhelming sense of dread, offers some stunning performances by a company of talented, experienced actors.”