Rutherford Calhoun, a newly freed Illinois slave eking out a living in 1830 New Orleans, stows away aboard The Republic, an outbound rigger, to evade debtors enforcing marriage. But his clever escape backfires as the clipper turns out to be a slave ship bound for Africa. Calhoun must choose between a fanatical captain, a mutinous crew, and the Africans seeking escape. Building on a tradition of African American storytelling, this tale challenges perceptions of American identity using a Black aesthetic. We are at a critical historical moment in which issues such as racism, classism, poverty, and the meaning of freedom impact us all.
SUBMIT UPDATES
The world premiere play WELLS AND WELLES by Chicago playwright Amy Crider imagines what might have been said in a private meeting between these two pioneers of literature and the arts.
Lifeline Theatre presents a retelling of Nambi E. Kelley's 'Native Son' adaptation, directed by Ilesa Duncan. Don't miss this powerful production from May 10 - June 30 in Chicago.
American Blues Theater launches The Commons, a new, monthly community event initiative, with a reading of Gloria Majule’s Uhuru, directed by Ensemble Member Manny Buckley.
Lifeline Theatre and Artistic Director ILesa Duncan announce the casting for the revival of ensemble member John Hildreth's adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's classic Cat's Cradle.
Lifeline Theatre has revealed its 2023-24 season of Big Stories, Up Close. It’s an exciting year of unforgettable stories brought to life, from beloved classics to modern titles.
Lifeline Theatre presents From the Mississippi Delta, based on the autobiography of and written by Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland.
Haven has announced the cast of players for Science Fiction / Double Feature: A Rocky Horror Picture Party, an immersive Rocky Horror-themed Halloween Party on Saturday, October 29 & Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 9 pm at Haven’s resident home, The Den Theatre.
Stage Left Theatre has announced the cast for the upcoming production of MAN OF THE PEOPLE - a new play by Dolores Díaz and directed by Anna C. Bahow. The show is Díaz's anticipated new work since ZULEMA, produced by Goodman Theatre in 2021. Performances take place at Chicago Dramatists from October 19th through November 20th.
Lifeline Theatre announced their 2022-23 season of Big Stories, Up Close. It’s a monumental year of unforgettable stories brought to life, from beloved classics to modern titles. The 2022-23 MainStage season features the Midwest premiere sequel Miss Holmes Returns, followed by a retelling of Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland’s From the Mississippi Delta.
American Blues Theater has announced the cast of August Wilson’s Fences, directed by Monty Cole. The intimate and up-close production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama will play to a capacity of 60 people per performance from July 1-August 6, 2022, at Theater Wit,1229 W. Belmont Ave.
Lifeline Theatre is presenting Middle Passage directed by Lifeline Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan April 25 – June 5 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
Shattered Globe Theatre has announced the addition of six new Ensemble Members and six new Artistic Associates. Ensemble members include Demetra Dee, Tina M. Jach, Tina Muñoz Pandya, Hailey Rakowiecki, Jazzma Pryor and Devonte E. Washington. Artistic Associates include Mikey Gray, Lawrence Grimm, Jason Lynch, David Antonio Reed, Adam Schulmerich and Leslie Ann Sheppard.
As part of the annual recognition of theater excellence, the 47th Non-Equity Jeff Awards today announced honorees in 21 artistic and technical categories. Recipients included 27 theater artists whose work was featured at 14 theater companies during the 2019-2020 season.
With the conclusion of the 2019-2020 Chicago non-Equity theater season, the Jeff Awards announced the nominees for the 47th annual awards for theater excellence that include 120 theater artists across 21 categories.
Chicago area theatres have announced the cancellation or postponement of upcoming productions.
Videos
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Paramount Theatre (4/24 - 6/16) | ||
The Thanksgiving Play
Ensemble Theater In Honor of Helen Zell at Steppenwolf (4/25 - 6/2) | ||
Little Bear Ridge Road
Downstairs Theater At Steppenwolf Theatre (6/13 - 7/21) | ||
Rosie and The Rivets
The Center for Performing Arts (3/23 - 3/23) | ||
Urban Queer Art Show And Market
Pride Arts Center (6/5 - 6/9) | ||
BLIPPI The Wonderful World Tour
Rosemont Theatre (6/15 - 6/15) | ||
Queens of Rock and Soul
The Center for Performing Arts (10/6 - 10/6) | ||
CHICAGO DANCE MONTH’S WAVE WALL MOVES RETURNS IN JUNE
See Chicago Dance (6/8 - 8/31) | ||
Queens of the Blues
Studebaker Theater (6/7 - 6/23) | ||
The Choir of Man
The Apollo Theater (4/19 - 7/14) | ||
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