Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture presents

Dante 360

It’s Heaven. It’s Hell. It’s Worth the Trip.
November 10-19, 2023
 

About the Show

Back for its third year, we are pleased to remount the Athenaeum Center original. Every year we reimagine the show with new faces and design.

Dante 360 will take you on a journey through the Divine Comedy, from Inferno to Paradiso. This show explores the significance of the world’s most famous epic poem and its author, the illustrious Dante Alighieri. Experience the depth and complexity of Dante’s vision through a series of canto performances, displays of visual art, and music, which carry the soul alongside the pilgrim in his ascent to Paradise.

Why Dante?

"I was sitting one day in our Historic Main Stage looking up at the top of the proscenium arch, where Dante and Beatrice, as depicted in the Divine Comedy, are on full display.  Immediately it it occurred to me that we needed to bring Dante Alighieri's work to the world. The Italian Redemptorists brought him center stage when constructing the theatre in 1911 and it was now our turn to continue with that legacy, as a patron to our beloved Center. November is a significant time for Catholics to remember those who came before us and this November we celebrate 112 years of our historical building and three years of our organization's founding. We hope you join us on a journey through this epic tale." - Lawrence Daufenbach, show creator and executive director of the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture.

Featuring

Mike Rogalski
Virgil
Schola Antiqua
Music Ensemble (Nov 10-12)
Elizabeth Lev
Art Historian
Mike McShane
Ugolino
Collan Simmons
Dante Alighieri
Sierra Buffum
Beatrice Portinari
Sarah Silva James
Beatrice Portinari (understudy)
Heather Bohan
Francesca da Rimini
Isabel Jayne Mancl
Pia de' Tolomei
Madeline Meyer
Piccarda Donati
Alex Amaya
Bonconte I da Montefeltro
Chris Bitoy
Omberto Aldobrandesco
Peter Surma
St. Bernard
Jacqueline Grandt
Art Historian
Brian Parry
Narrator/Elder Dante

Production Team

Audience Reaction

“Dante 360 had all the flavors of art you expect to see at the Athenaeum Center for the upcoming years. The blend of music and art, along with Elizabeth Lev’s scholarly words was the perfect mix of artistic mediums.”
— Taylor
“It really struck a cord, this is what has been missing in the Chicago arts atmosphere. Bringing back the classics.”
— Todd
“The music greatly enhanced the spirituality of the presentation.”
— Heidi
“The combo of lecture, drama, music, art was unique.”
— William
“Well done! Captures the spirit and artistry of The Divine Comedy.”
— John
“It was fabulous! The content taken from Dante helped me ponder my life, and the format motivated me to improve my life.”
— Angela

Gallery

You might like this if you like...

  • Stories that take you on a journey like The Illiad and The Odyssey
  • Dramatic historical fiction series like Medici and The Tudors
  • Books that explore themes of morality like The Confessions of St. Augustine
  • The works of Italian Renaissance artists like Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci

Showtimes

Nov 17th

Fri

Nov 18th

Sat

Nov 19th

Sun

Event Details

Doors Open: 45 minutes before show begins
Running Time: ~160 minutes including intermission
Ages: All ages
Performance Space: Historic Main Stage
Address: 2936 N Southport Ave

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Theatre

2936 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture is registered 501(c)3 non-profit.

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