If you’re Lisa Rosenthal, chances are you’re checking the planner for your next appointment…or your next meeting…or your next reading. All in the name of art.

A self-described “artistic activist,” Lisa is one of four playwrights in Polarity Ensemble Theatre’s Dionysos Cup. In its second incarnation, Lisa’s work, “The Good Harvest” is a struggle about coming to grips with new truths unearthed from a family tragedy.

In addition to being a playwright, Lisa is a teacher, a writing coach and a band manager. “I do wear many hats,” she said. “It seems to be my natural place. I thrive wearing many hats.”

For Lisa though, art and its creation is part of a larger picture, something that goes beyond just creation. It’s about giving opportunities to artists. “I feel it’s important to make art to contribute something positive to the world,” she said.

With the upcoming Dionysos Cup, new artistic collaborations abound. Lisa enjoys the process of the continued give-and-take of her work. A smaller practical purpose has also arisen. “It helps to have deadlines,” she said with a laugh.

The prevailing sentiment, artistically, in this city seems to be this: Chicago has a lot to offer. More to the point, Chicago offers a very passionate, vibrant environment for both, be it fledgling, startup companies and established houses. Either way, both sides seem to benefit.

“Absolutely,” Lisa said. “We’re very fortunate to have so many resources and works for new companies. We have so many theaters and so many opportunities.”

All Dionysos Cup performances will take place at Polarity Ensemble Theatre's new space in residence at the Josephinum Academy, 1500 N. Bell, Chicago. Click here for more details.

Polarity Ensemble member Travis Gauchay recently interviewed the playwrights of the Dionysos Cup, our upcoming Festival of New Plays. The festival also features David Alex, Bryce Wissel and Darren Callahan. This is the first in the series of profiles.