The Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play: Poor Clare

The Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play is a monthly reading series highlighting plays that have not received a Chicago production. Produced by The Understudy’s bookstore team, this series works to expand the variety of playwrights and titles in our vibrant community.

This month, we’re reading Poor Clare by Chiara Atik

Clare: Felicia Oduh

Beatrice: John-Payne

Francis: Andrew Shipman

Alma: Jordan Levene

Peppa: Preeti Thaker

Ortolana: Mari De La Rua

The Poor/Beggar: Izzy Valdes

About the Play

It’s 1211 in Assisi, Italy, and Clare’s got beauty, wealth and a rich suitor who showers her with expensive presents. So why is she so drawn to this guy Francis who gave up all his possessions just because poor people are suffering? Everyone in town says he’s crazy. And yet… she starts seeing everything in her life differently. This hilarious, anachronistic telling of the real story of St. Clare considers the cost of doing good – and how little has changed for the haves and the have-nots in almost a millennium.