I was recently asked by a Victory Gardens representative to edit my review of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity on EDGE to clarify that Victory Gardens presented it in association with Teatro Vista — rather than TV co-producing it with VG. Or, what I originally said was:
The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, presented by Teatro Vista at Victory Gardens Theatre, plays through November 1.
I was told the way I had it credited here was “way, way, way off.”
So my question is: Who actually produced this marvelous play? And who was responsible for bringing it to light? Because I honestly don’t know anymore. And what does “produced (not presented, mind you) in association with…” mean anyway (as per VG’s web site)? What is the distinction? Presented/produced?? What group did what?
It’s even more confusing when reviews like Time Out Chicago‘s don’t even mention Teatro Vista, yet Teatro Vista’s web site features the play on their home page.
What’s going on here?
EDIT: Deity playwright Kristoffer Diaz clarifies things in the comments below:
The play is produced by Victory Gardens in association with Teatro Vista.
I submitted the play to Victory Gardens for the Ignition Festival last summer. Eddie directed that production. Desmin played the lead. We did a second workshop at Victory Gardens in February. Shortly after, I became a playwright-in-residence with TV. Around then (I believe), TV (as a company) became officially involved in the production team.
It is inaccurate to say that this is a Teatro Vista production at Victory Gardens. Victory Gardens is a producer on this, not a presenter.
And just to be cheeky, I’m going to go ahead and offer that when you ask who is *responsible* for CHAD DEITY, the answer is not just VG and TV — but in fact, Eddie Torres, all the actors, the entire production team, and, well, me.
If there are other questions, please feel free to contact me. I’m easy to find on Twitter.
Chicago Theatre Addict 
I think this is a really good question, as I’ve heard this question multiple times now…
From Chris Jones’ review: “Victory Gardens (working with Torres’ Teatro Vista) has poured plenty of money into this show, signaling its belated but all the more thrilling entry into the brave new world of bright lights, racial complexities and hot new plays.”
Geez, people. Learn to share.
Yes, very confusing. But this still doesn’t clarify if it was *produced* in association with or *presented* in association with. Two very different meanings, to me. VG invested the money — but did they develop the play? What is TV’s role in all this?
Well, Kristoffer Diaz is a playwright in residence at TV, and Edward Torres (Director) and Desmin Borges (who is WONDERFUL as “Mace”) are both company members of Teatro Vista.
(Or at least some places says Borgis is.. he’s not listed on the Teatro Vista company page, but is listed on another page?)
Regardless, it’s a fabulous piece of theatre and everyone involved should be super proud.
Agreed.
Also: I’ve been informed by the playwright himself that there’s no conspiracy here. VG and TV are co-producers of this show.
That said: there is a great deal of inconsistency in the marketing of this play.
The play is produced by Victory Gardens in association with Teatro Vista.
I submitted the play to Victory Gardens for the Ignition Festival last summer. Eddie directed that production. Desmin played the lead. We did a second workshop at Victory Gardens in February. Shortly after, I became a playwright-in-residence with TV. Around then (I believe), TV (as a company) became officially involved in the production team.
It is inaccurate to say that this is a Teatro Vista production at Victory Gardens. Victory Gardens is a producer on this, not a presenter.
And just to be cheeky, I’m going to go ahead and offer that when you ask who is *responsible* for CHAD DEITY, the answer is not just VG and TV — but in fact, Eddie Torres, all the actors, the entire production team, and, well, me.
If there are other questions, please feel free to contact me. I’m easy to find on Twitter.
THANK YOU, Kristoffer! Mystery solved.
And it’s a stunning play. I hope its life expands.
What’s a day without a handslap from the theater establishment?