Profiles Theatre will host an evening of readings with acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute on Saturday, January 8, at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway.  The evening will include a pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m., selected readings of LaBute’s work at 7:30 p.m. and a post-show audience talkback and discussion with LaBute.  This is a ONE NIGHT ONLY event and seating is very limited!  Proceeds from the evening will benefit Profiles Theatre.

This one night-only event will feature Neil LaBute performing a selected reading from among his newest work.  Profiles ensemble members will also present readings from other short works including a new piece entitled “Romance” featuring ensemble members Darrell W. Cox and Eric Burgher.  Ensemble member Somer Benson will read a piece from "Filthy Talk for Troubled Times."  Also included will be a short piece entitled “Windows to the World” featuring guest artist Michael Pogue.  The evening will conclude with an audience talkback to discuss the playwright’s work.

There will be a reception with light hors d'oeuvres beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the evening of readings will begin at 7:30 pm.

Profiles will open the Chicago premiere of reasons to be pretty on January 27, 2011.  The theatre began its relationship with Neil LaBute in 2006 with the Midwest premiere of autobahn, followed by their long-running hit, Fat Pig.  In 2007, Profiles devoted an entire season to the works of LaBute that included the Midwest premieres of In a Dark Dark House, Some Girl(s), This is How it Goes, and a collection of short works entitled Things We Said Today followed by the Midwest premiere of The Mercy Seat in 2009. 

Profiles presented its first Evening With Neil LaBute in January 2009.

“Our collaboration with Neill LaBute over the years has changed us as artists and had a profound effect on Profiles,” says Profiles Associate Artistic Director, Darrell W. Cox.  “His fearless approach--allowing the work to speak for itself, at the expense of being misunderstood, has defined his career and ours, as well. It is such a joy to introduce to Chicago audiences one of the most intelligent, passionate, provocative, and generous artists of our time. You will walk away understanding a little more about who the man is and why Profiles cherishes every opportunity to tell a story with him.”