Today officially kicks off Chicago’s annual “Chicago Theatre Week”. “Chicago Theatre Week is a celebration of Chicago’s world-class theatre scene” according to www.chicagoplays.com. It’s also an opportunity to experience a variety of productions at discounted rates. In celebration of Chicago Theatre Week and Black History month, we’ve curated a list of Black productions occurring in our city this week/month. We’re also giving away $50 towards your favorite Black owned business this month. Find out how below.
Mother of the Dark Water: Inspired by original images of the Black Madonna, five black women decide to reclaim their truth and voices in the normative feminist movement. Ultimately, they discover that true change will not come without resisting white supremacy and misogyny with reckless abandon. Based on personal stories, original poetry and movement, Mother of the Dark Waters celebrates the power of speaking out, resistance and self-love. Devised & Directed by Lauren Wells. Click here to purchase tickets.
The Light: A surprise proposal takes an unexpected turn that upends the world of Genesis and Rashad, forcing them to confront a devastating secret from the past and putting the future of their relationship at risk. Featuring two of Chicago’s most dynamic actors, THE LIGHT is a 70-minute, real-time rollercoaster journey of laughter, romance and despair that uncovers how the power of radical love can be a healing beacon of light. Click here to purchase tickets.
JITNEY: This Tony Award-winning play is set in Jim Becker’s unlicensed cab station. Delve into the lives of jitney cab drivers in the Pittsburgh Hill District during the 1970s. As the eighth play in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, these dynamic characters are challenged with life’s difficulties, gaining enlightenment about the importance of family and community. Click here to purchase tickets.
Hail Hail Chuck (A Tribute to Chuck Berry): A tribute to a man that revolutionized the music industry in an era of overt racism enforced by Jim Crow laws. With songs like Maybellene, Roll Over Beethoven and Johnny B. Goode, the Black Ensemble pays tribute to one of the greatest rock and roll artists of our lifetime. Click here to purchase tickets.
BREACH: A manifesto on race in America through the eyes of a Black girl recovering from self-hate: In Antoinette Nwandu’s “love letter to black women,” Margaret uproots her life, including her dead-end job and fizzling relationship, after finding out that she is unexpectedly expecting. She finds support and humor from her sassy and sharp Aunt Sylvia and her new friendship with Carolina, a pregnant cleaning lady at her office. BREACH is a smart comedy about friendship, motherhood, and family, and tackles the mother of all challenges: learning to love yourself. Click here to purchase tickets.
The Penis Monologues: Solomon and Kim are getting married! But, as we all know, the marriage is JUST the beginning. With a surprise emotional twist and communication issues, will their marriage be over just as it’s getting started?! A True roller coaster ride of suspense, comedy and jaw-dropping moments, The Penis Monologues III is a MUST SEE! Click here to purchase tickets.
Want to win $50 towards your favorite Black owned business in Chicago? Click here to find out how.
Only 3 of the 6 listed are part of Chicago Theatre Week and for those that are, you do not share how to get the discounted tickets for the show…purchase links are for full price.
I’m interested in a few plays, however links are not available to purchase tickets.
To purchase discounted tickets ($15 and $30) for Chicago Theatre Week, visit chicagotheatreweek.com