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Redeeming Time

John Arthur Lewis/Collective Diogenes

Solo Show, Storytelling & Spoken Word, Theater

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An Origin Story . . . 40 Years In The Making.

It’s about Shakespeare. And love, and heartbreak. And failure and forgiveness. And humanity, and understanding, and appreciation. And my life, and your life, and life... (you know...Shakespeare).


Through workshops and performances, I’ve discovered how it connects across a variety of audiences including GenX, artists, students, the incarcerated, and returned citizens. Probably because the piece started as an essay to my teenage son in support of the value of art and literature, Redeeming Time has been found to have a special connection to young men searching for paths beyond the prevalent stereotypes and role models currently showcased in our culture.


Early feedback from Elizabeth Wetmore (author of the novel Valentine): “I can't remember the last time I saw a show that so deftly balanced humor and self-deprecation with such a profound and complicated exploration of family, memory, trauma, growing up, and growing older.”


Run time: 70 minutes. No intermission.

Details
Run Time: 70 mins
Ticket Price: $20 (PWYW)

PWYC Options $0+

Venue: Franklin Inn Club

Dates: September 15, 2026 - September 17, 2026

September 15, 2026 7.00pm

205 S Camac Street

General Admission: $20 (PWYW)

PWYC Options

September 16, 2026 7.00pm

205 S Camac Street

General Admission: $20 (PWYW)

PWYC Options

September 17, 2026 7.00pm

205 S Camac Street

General Admission: $20 (PWYW)

PWYC Options


About the Artist

Originally from Odessa, Texas, John has lived and performed professional theatre and music all over the United States.


He earned his BFA in Theatre, Television, and Film at Texas Christian University. And studied acting at Binghamton University where he earned his MFA before moving to NYC where he lived for about ten years.


During those years, he toured nationally in a production of Romeo And Juliet, performed at regional theatres in Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Jersey, and Upstate New York. While in the city he appeared in Off and Off-Off Broadway productions, acted in student and independent films, and played his guitar and sang his songs in bars. While in New York, John was a member of Pulse Ensemble Theatre where he performed in and directed several productions, including Laudisi in “As You See It, ” Pepel in “The Lower Depths, ” and Bill Walker in “Major Barbara.”


In 2001, John moved to Louisville and became a company member at the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. For three years, he traveled to every part of Kentucky and performed Shakespeare workshops at schools for students K-12 as well as playing Laertes in Hamlet, Don John in Much Ado About Nothing, Gratiano in Merchant of Venice, and Iago in Othello. During those years, he also found time to work at Roxy Regional in Clarksville, TN. where he he appeared in four production over two seasons, and St. Croix Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls, WI. where he performed in or directed seven plays, also over two seasons.


In 2004, John moved to Chicago, where he continues to live, act, direct, coach voice, sing and play guitar, and write.


In Chicago, John has been a member of Promethean Theatre Ensemble and Oracle Theatre. He has also played multiple roles for Redtwist, City Lit, Organic, and Eclipse.


In 2023, John began writing and workshopping his one person piece, “Redeeming Time.” And in April, 2025 began performing the completed production.

  • John Arthur LewisWriter/Performer/Directorjackjohnarthur@gmail.com
  • Kimberly LoganMarketing Consultantkimberly_logan@yahoo.com
  • Curt ToftelandArtistic Consultantcurt@shakespearebehindbars.org
  • Rachel SypniewskiCostume Consultantaloeplant80@hotmail.com
  • Elizabeth SutherlandLighting Consultantlammeret@gmail.com
  • Damon BonettiAssociate Producerdamon.bonetti@gmail.com
  • Julie BurtonFront of Housejulieburtonlewis@gmail.com

Accessibility & Content Considerations

Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.

This event is appropriate for ages 13+

Covid-19 Safety policy

This event does not require masks to be worn


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