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Janus Theatre Company returns with Homer's An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare, based on Homer’s The Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles, and directed by Artistic Director Sean Hargadon.
This production runs at the New Elgin Art Showcase, located at 220 Dupage Street in downtown Elgin, September 3-20, 2026.
Purchase Tix: HERE
An Iliad is a modern-day retelling of Homer’s classic. Poetry, humor, the ancient tale of the Trojan War and the modern world collide in this captivating theatrical experience. The setting is simple: an empty theater. The time is now: the present moment. The lone figures onstage are storytellers – possibly Homer, possibly one of the many poets who followed in these footsteps - and they are fated to tell this story throughout history.
An Iliad is produced and directed by Sean Hargadon, stage-managed by Elizabeth Dawson, costumes by *Tiffany Jasinski and percussion by RJ Ward.
The Company
Poet...…..…Susan P. Anderson
Poet........….Jennifer Reeves Wilson*
Poet...……..Elizabeth Ley
Poet……….Tiffany Jasinski*
Poet.........…Lauren Sullivan
Poet.........…Aneesah Jemei
Also featuring understudies Lyn Myers, Rachel Elizabeth Maley, and Jessica Trznadel.
Running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm, September 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20. No performances on Sept 5 and 6. Performances take place at the New Elgin Art Showcase, 220 Dupage Street, downtown Elgin, IL. Tickets are $28.
***Understudy performance on Sept 17***
ACTOR BIOS
Susan P. Anderson (Poet) is thrilled to join with Janus for An Iliad! Previous productions with them include Men on Boats, Macbeth and Merchant of Venice. She was most recently seen in Authentic Chicago’s Coyote Embrace, having originated the role in their How The Owls Saved Me. Other productions include This Random World and Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike with Steel Beam Theater, and Wake Up, Mrs. Moore with Iambe. Deepest Thanks to Paul - I treasure you. Sincerest Wish - That you find An Il iad as Invigorating as I do! Apolambano!!
Jennifer Reeves Wilson (Poet) studied the performing arts of theatre, dance and music at Missouri State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She has appeared in several productions with Janus Theatre and is a core company member. You may have seen her work in Enemy of the People (“Katherine”), School for Lies (“Arsinoe”), The Revolutionists (“Olympe DeGouge”), The Maids (“Solange”), Beowulf (“Beowulf”),and the one-woman show On the Exhale. Her choreography was featured in Janus’ productions of Men on Boats and School for Lies. Other theatre credits include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night (“Siobhan”) at Wheaton Drama, The Moors (“Marjory/Mallory”) at Riverfront Playhouse, Agnes of God (“Dr. Livingston”) at Steel Beam Theatre, Cabaret (“Sally Bowles”) and Miss Saigon (“Ellen”) with NightBlue Performing Arts Company, as well as The Tempest, MacBeth, Henry V and Julius Caesar with Elgin Shakespeare Project.
Elizabeth Ley (Poet) is delighted to be back at Janus Theatre Company with such an amazingly talented cast and crew. Previously she appeared with Janus as Old Shady in Men On Boats. Recent roles include Scooby Doo Murder Mystery (Daphne) with Greenman Theatre, Spider’s Web (Clarissa) with Parker Players, Pygmalion (Eliza) with Elgin Theatre Company, Disgraced (Emily) with Oakton CC, You Can't Take it With You (Alice) at Grove Players, and Miss Holmes (Lizzie Chapman) with Theatre of Western Springs. Thanks to her wonderful husband and adorable sons for all of their love and support on this memorable adventure.
Tiffany Jasinski (Poet) is so excited and grateful to be working on this production with such an incredibly talented ensemble and crew. She is immensely thankful for Sean and the whole team for making this process unforgettable, hilarious and exhilarating. Recently, you may have seen Tiffany on stage as Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice, Charlotte in The Revolutionists, Sonia in Life Sucks or as a Witch in Macbeth with Janus. Some other past credits include Paula in D.O.A, Darla/Nurse in Tin Woman, Charlotte in These Shining Lives, Jack in The Importance of Being Ernest, Catherine in In the Next Room, etc. She is also a proud core member and costume designer for Janus Theatre Company and the Elgin Shakespeare Project. Tiffany would like to thank her friends and family, especially her Mama (you are my rock, my comfort and my whole heart), for always being patient during her chaos; and for supporting her dreams and her utter ridiculousness. Enjoy this epic tale!
Lauren Sullivan (Poet) is honored to be back with Janus for her second production. She recently served as the understudy Petra Stockmann and a member of the Citizens Ensemble in An Enemy of the People. She would like to thank her amazing husband Preston for his continued love and support, and her stalwart friends and family who keep showing up for her.
Aneesah Jemei (Poet) (Illinois State University; B.S. in Musical Theatre/Vocal Performance), is excited to be returning to Janus with the wonderful cast of "An Iliad"! Recently, Aneesah has been seen in Oil Lamp Theatre's The Marvelous Wonderettes as Suzy Simpson and Edge of the Wood’s Bernhardt/Hamlet as Ensemble/Lysette U/S. At ISU, Aneesah was also cast as Natalie in Next to Normal and Hänsel in Hänsel and Grétel. Aneesah is based in Chicago/Chicagoland and, as always, send her love to family and friends for their never- ending support! @aneesah.jemei on all socials!
Lyn Myers (Understudy) is delighted to cross “a cast of all women” off her bucket list by being part of this amazing project. Returning to the professional stage two years ago, she understudied Virginia Butley in Native Gardens for The Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and has appeared in The Importance of Being Earnest (Miss Prism), Arsenic and Old Lace (Aunt Martha) and Mouse Trap (Mrs Boyle). Previous Chicago credits include Renfield (Miss Mina), Agnes of God (Agnes), Talking With (Clear Glass Marbles) and Mandy (Answers). Lyn has appeared in a variety of local and national television commercials as well as industrial films.
Rachel E. Maley (Understudy) is a multimedia artist based in Hoffman Estates, IL. A musician since a young age, she performs on multiple instruments and voice, and creates visual art including painting, drawing, and fiber work. Rachel attended the University of Chicago intending to study ethnomusicology, but instead developed affinities for theater, dance, comparative literature, and contemporary circus arts. Her creative work embodies this penchant for integration and collaboration across disciplines. re-maley.com
Jessica Trznadel (Understudy) is so glad to have been a part of the team of 'An Iliad.' She has previously worked with Janus in productions of ‘Macbeth’ and the Unrehearsed Shakespeare Project. This winter, she is looking forward to being in Dragonfly Theatre’s ‘Shakespeare Six.’ She is so proud of the Iliad cast and crew and hopes you all enjoy sharing in this timeless story!
Elizabeth Dawson (Stage Manager) is absolutely elated to be working with this superlative company and cast! She's most recently been on stage as Maria in Love's Labour's Lost (iambe), and is still pinching herself to have been recently counted as a company member of Janus Theatre, for whom she's recently stage managed Enemy of the People, The Alchemist, School For Lies, Hedda, and Macbeth. Other favorite roles include Sylvia in Sylvia (ETC), Mrs. Pearce in Pygmalian (ETC), Gal in the original production of All the World's a Stage (Fremont St. Theater Company), Myrtle Brown in Morning's at Seven (RCLPC Theatre), and Daphne Stillington in Present Laughter (Independent Players). Elizabeth is only able to do this because of the patient and unending support of her Wonderful, Ed. She'd also like to thank YOU for supporting local theater!
ABOUT JANUS THEATRE COMPANY
Janus Theatre Company has produced more than 115 productions since 1999 and is an award-winning 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization of trained theatre professionals, who strive to present work that is classic and contemporary, bringing the actor and audience closer together. Our work is fun, challenging and raises questions. Janus is about developing people. Since we started, we’ve always been interested in helping our artists grow while sharing the gift of performance with our audiences. We explore, create, question, and pursue new forms of theater and found spaces for all audiences. Learn more: https://janusplays.com/.
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Finding a Shared Space
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