by Theodore Ward Directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson
The United States is on the cusp of the Great Depression and, like many, the Mason family is struggling. Between the precarious economy and racial violence on Chicago's segregated South Side, something’s got to give. As different generations strive to secure the Mason family’s future, catastrophic decisions are made, leading to a heartbreaking twist and a blistering condemnation of America’s Big White Fog.
by William Shakespeare Adapted and Directed by Marti Lyons
The richest man in town has two daughters and one big problem: he refuses to marry the youngest, Bianca, until the eldest, Katherine, is married first. Much to her family’s dismay, Katherine repeatedly – and violently – rejects the men interested in her and her wealth, and refuses to sacrifice her independence. When a mysterious gentleman enters the mix, suddenly Kate sees that surrender is no sacrifice. Perhaps there is strength in submission.
By August Strindberg Directed by Senior Artistic Producer Gabrielle Randle-Bent
Miss Julie wants to abandon her upper-class, aristocratic life and escape the expectations that trap her. Jean, her servant, wants to climb the social ladder and rise through the ranks of society. Over the course of a wine-soaked evening, the two jockey for position, using sex, status, and strategy to collide and combust.
Concept by Leslie Buxbaum, David J. Levin, and Erin McKeown Book and Lyrics by Leslie Buxbaum Music and Lyrics by Erin McKeown Dramaturgy by David J. Levin Directed by Chay Yew
Dawn has a house, a husband, and a family, but she wants more. She wants her ex-girlfriend, Robin. She wants nothing to change and she wants everything to change, and she wants it all on her own terms. As she’s caught between what’s been and what’s next, Dawn must learn to abandon expectations, harmonize with loved ones, and trust the process. If she can do all that, she might just learn a new song.
This year’s Spotlight Reading Series will feature works of Theodore Ward (1902-1983), often referred to as the “dean of Black dramatists,” whose works explored the complexities of Black life in America, from the Civil War, to the Second Great Migration, and beyond.
The United States is on the cusp of the Great Depression and, like many, the Mason family is struggling. Between the precarious economy and racial violence on Chicago's segregated South Side, something’s got to give. As different generations strive to secure the Mason family’s future, catastrophic decisions are made, leading to a heartbreaking twist and a blistering condemnation of America’s Big White Fog.
Dawn has a house, a husband, and a family, but she wants more. She wants her ex-girlfriend, Robin. She wants nothing to change and she wants everything to change, and she wants it all on her own terms. As she’s caught between what’s been and what’s next, Dawn must learn to abandon expectations, harmonize with loved ones, and trust the process. If she can do all that, she might just learn a new song.
This year’s Spotlight Reading Series will feature works of Theodore Ward (1902-1983), often referred to as the “dean of Black dramatists,” whose works explored the complexities of Black life in America, from the Civil War, to the Second Great Migration, and beyond.