Artemis Books and The Well Meaning Man

Do not miss the inaugural play of the newest Chicago Theater group, The Village Theater. Artemis Books and the Well Meaning Man at the Rivendell Theater in Andersonville, now through August 2nd. Review posted by Ellen McWilliams-Woods https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=ellen%20mcwilliams-woods. Absolutely electric. Artemis Books and the Well Meaning Man is more than a debut—it’s a statement. As the inaugural production for The Village Theater, a brand-new women-led company in Chicago, this world premiere of Paul Michael Thomson’s sharp, stunning script marks a new moment of empowered voices in the city
Under the exquisite direction of Clara Zucker, the show pulls you into its world within minutes, creating a sense of closeness and urgency that lingers long after the show. Zucker’s vision brings a delicate balance of humor, vulnerability, and provocation to the stage, cultivating a space that feels as safe as it is stirring.
The cast—Daniela Martinez, Tierra Matthews, Phoebe Jacobs, and Kyle Roth—delivers performances so rich and layered that it’s easy to forget you’re in a theater and not watching real lives unfold. I laughed—deep, honest belly laughs—but I also sat in quiet tension, deeply moved and personally challenged. As a queer woman who fiercely protects her safe spaces, this play challenged me: Am I too protective of my village at the detriment of letting people in? The play holds a mirror to our most well-meaning intentions, our cherished communities, and the lines we draw—intentionally or not.
This is the kind of theater that stirs you.
Kudos to co-artistic directors Clara Zucker and Emily Newmark, Executive Director Bailey McWilliams-Woods, Marketing Director Jane Hobson, and Associates Naomi Kalter and Emily Waskowitz for launching The Village Theater with such ambition, artistry, and unapologetic relevance. In one night, they’ve not only introduced a theater company, they’ve created a high quality community where you can wonder, explore and share joy.
Do not miss this show. Go see it, bring your people, and then stay up late talking about it or join one of Bailey’s post-show dialogues. This is what the future of theater looks like—bold, intimate, complex, and woman-led. Welcome to the Village.
https://www.the-village-theater.com/artemisbooks