About My Work
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As a director, my work is a deliberate departure from traditional theatrical norms, embracing hyperrealism and authenticity to illuminate the nuanced experiences of everyday people and their struggles. Taking inspiration from filmmakers like Robert Bresson and Chantal Akerman and theatremakers like Katie Mitchell and Milo Rau, my work focuses on the minute, often overlooked aspects of human existence.
This is reflected in the plays that I choose to direct. Whether classical or contemporary, the plays I work on attempt to provide a platform for us to understand the political underpinnings of our society through the lens of the everyday person’s life, forsaking conventional dramatic structures in favor of a more organic, action-driven narrative.
When working with actors, I am committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. I try to reject traditional theatrical hierarchical structures in favor of running a rehearsal room as a community, where each participant is a vital contributor to the creative process — we all work toward the goal of fulfilling a vision for a piece. I function from a place of inquiry, encouraging actors to explore and follow their impulses; by asking questions rather than imposing rigid directives, I attempt to enable actors to bring their authentic selves into the work, enriching the overall production and ensuring a genuine and dynamic performance.
By creating theatre that is both politically charged and deeply human, I aim to inspire a greater understanding of the world that we live in and how it affects each and every one of us.
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THEATRE
Currently, I am assistant directing Kafka’s Metamorphosis at The Theatre School.
CABARET
I am putting together and directing my own one-woman cabaret show, Does This Song Make Me Look Dramatic?
A shortened version will be occurring at Davenport’s Piano Bar on May 14th, where I will open for Lexa Maxa.
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Click below to read about:
An Enemy of the People - my adaptation that I directed
The Last Five Years - my directorial debut
scroll for a deeper look into my directing work!
My Oeuvre
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DOES THIS SONG MAKE ME LOOK DRAMATIC?
Created & Curated by Zoé Soteres and Mark Elliott
Davenport’s Piano Bar, May 2025 -
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METAMORPHOSIS
Written by Franz Kafka; Directed by Jeff Mills; Assistant Directed by Zoé Soteres
The Theatre School at DePaul University, May 2025 -
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AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
Written by Henrik Ibsen; Translated by Eleanor Marx; Adapted & Directed by Zoé Soteres
The Den Theatre, May 2024 -
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THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Written & Composed by Jason Robert Brown; Music Directed by Mitchell Dubin; Co-Directed by Zoé Soteres & Jason Schmidt
City Theatre; May 2021
Does This Song Make Me Look Dramatic?
On May 14th, my premiere one-woman cabaret, Does This Song Make Me Look Dramatic, will be featured as a part of Chicago Cabaret Week at Davenport’s Piano Bar in Wicker Park. The performance, which was curated by Mark Elliott and directed by me, will be accompanied on piano by Kyle William Stephens. Following my opening act, Lexa Maxa will perform her one-woman show, Give Me Jazz!
Running at 25 minutes, the set will feature Put on a Happy Face (arr. by Blossom Dearie), Ding Dong (Nellie McKay), Lost in the Brass (from the musical Band Geeks), Twisted (arr. by Joni Mitchell), Easy to be Hard (from the musical Hair), What More Do I Need? (from the musical Saturday Night), and Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home (arr. by Barbra Streisand).
“Fresh out of acting school and bringing her signature flair for the dramatic, Zoé Soteres steps into the spotlight with Does This Song Make Me Look Dramatic?, a cabaret for anyone who has ever been told they're "too much." Featuring Broadway classics, jazz gems, and contemporary hits, this show is equal parts heart, humor, and drama. Don’t miss your chance to see one of Chicago’s most exciting new talents in her debut solo performance!”
An Enemy of the People
In May of 2024, An Enemy of the People, written by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Eleanor Marx, and adapted by me, went up at The Den Theatre in Chicago — selling out almost every night.
My adaptation placed a unique focus on the effects that the actions of Dr. Stockmann, the mayor, and the media in the small Norwegian town have on the townspeople — whose very livelihoods and understandings of what is at stake are left in the hands of those in power. With a diverse and gender bent cast (the Mayor and Editor Hovstad are both played by women) and an adaptation intended to highlight the talents of young Chicago performers, the show seeks to shine a light on political issues today, including: the amalgamation of the media and the government, the negative effects of wealth disparity on politics, while staying true to the classic critiques presented in the play of group think and moderation.
“Written by Henrik Ibsen in 1882, An Enemy of the People centers around Dr. Stockmann, a recent medical school graduate, family-appointed medical officer, and newlywed, who discovers that his small town's coveted Health Resort is contaminated with poisonous water. In spite of his desperate attempts to reveal this danger to the public, he is met with scrutiny and the threat of disgrace by the government, the press, and the people.”
“[Director] Zoé Soteres did an exceptional job of orchestrating this talented yet seemingly unknown cast. Their spirited and witty approach was exuberant and entertaining throughout the two-hour production.” - Rick McCain, Let’s Play Theatrical Reviews
“The newly created Duality Theatre Co. boldly takes on this invigorating play, infusing it with its unique interpretation, strong drama, Ibsen's excellent dialogue, and compelling characters. They pulled off a smashing and enthralling performance that is not to be missed.” - Rick McCain, Let’s Play Theatrical Reviews
The Last Five Years
In May of 2021, City Theatre Educational Programs helped Mitchell Dubin, Jason Schmidt, and me bring live theatre back to Pittsburgh after the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to keep people safe, the show was performed in Mitchell’s backyard, with a limited, masked audience. The cast, crew, and musical pit took COVID tests, and remained masked when not performing. We directed the show with this in mind, being conscious of how we used the space, and the benefits (and drawbacks) of performing in an outside venue.
Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, the show tells the story of Cathy and Jamie, and follows the highs and lows of their relationship, from beginning to end.
“A balm for local musical theatre fans, a re-introduction to live theatre in Pittsburgh [post-COVID] and a celebration of what artists of all ages can accomplish with a little vision and elbow grease.” - Joshua Axelrod, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette
