Written in 1637, Pedro Calderon's Life's a Dream investigates the borders between truth and illusion, loyalty and treachery, captivity and freedom, in a romantic fairy tale set somewhere along the dusky borders between the waking world and the landscape of dreams. King Vasily has read in the stars that his newly-born son Sigismund is destined to overthrow him and become a tyrant. Accepting the prediction as true, he imprisons his son in a tower, where he grows to manhood alone. Twenty years later, Vasily, concerned about the succession to his throne, decides to see whether predestination or free will is the stronger force. Sigismund is drugged and brought to court asleep: If he can control his passions, he is fit to reign; if not, he will be drugged again, returned to prison, and told that his palace experience was merely a dream.

This innovative production—a bold Prenzie Players experiment—brings Calderon's masterpiece to life not only on stage but throughout the entire Masonic Center, with preshow and intermission improvisations occurring in the lobby, on stairwells, in restrooms, even outside the building. What's more, the stage for this show is two separate stages: one representing the dank claustrophobia of the prison tower; the other, the glittering opulence of the palace. Multiple times during the performance, the audience will be brought to their feet and led from one stage to the next, where the play continues.

Encounter interactive classical theater like nothing the Quad Cities has ever seen—a unique dramatic experience you'll remember for years. Suitable for mature audiences.

Friday, May 9 Q & A with the cast and the production staff!
Saturday, May 10

Thursday, May 15
Friday, May 16
Saturday, May 17
Sunday, May 18

A Q & A session with the cast and production staff will be held on opening night approximately 5 minutes after the house has cleared.

Life’s a Dream will be presented upstairs at The Masonic Temple, 420 18th St., Rock Island, IL. Doors open at 7:30 PM., curtain at 8:00 PM. Tickets available at door only. Tickets $8 for all. For more information, email info@prenzieplayers.com.