Displaying items by tag: Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble

Curious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, September 20 - October 26 at four venues across Chicago. The month-long festival of shows will kick off with a special “afternoon tea” edition of the Full Moon Vaudeville, this concert launches the festival on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. at Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave., headlined by art/folk/cabaret act The Crooked Mouth and other special guests. 

Throughout its nearly four decades, Rhinofest has endeavored to welcome as many participants as possible, both as artists and as audience members. To that end, artists pay no fee to apply or to produce their works at Rhinofest and all tickets are offered at pay-what-you-can pricing, with a $25 suggested price. Tickets and details for all upcoming shows will be available Sunday, Sept. 6 at Rhinofest.com.

Since its inception in 1989, as a single weekend of shows in the Wicker Park neighborhood, this unique and mutable fringe festival has expanded and contracted to fit the time and has become the longest running Fringe Festival in Chicago. Festival events will take place at four venues this year: Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. in Humboldt Park; Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen in River West, Labyrinth Arts Club, 3658 N. Pulaski Rd. in the Irving Park neighborhood and Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, 1650 W. Foster Ave. 

The 37th Rhinofest will feature mostly original work from Chicago artists and companies, including new work from The Fat Theater Project, the 10th anniversary of Ira Murfin’s An Interview, a new work by Jessica Wright Buha, new work from Drinking and Writing Theater, and, of course, an evening of short works by The Curious Theatre Branch, Rhinofest’s host. New to the Festival in 2026 are partnerships with Chicago Danztheater, a beautiful space in Andersonville, featuring movement-based work and a creativity workshop called Maps, Guides & Legends: a generative writing and interdisciplinary art-making workshop on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

This year's festival will feature plays, music and performances from more than 35 companies and solo artists. Among the highlights are: 

The Full Moon Vaudeville

Facility Theater, 1138 N. California Ave.

Sunday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m.

The annual bacchanalia headlined by art/folk/cabaret act The Crooked Mouth 

includes a variety of acts to inaugurate the festival featuring cool things as yet unknown and a rare afternoon teatime show.

Make Out the Words 

by The Curious Theatre Branch

Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave.

Saturday, Oct. 3 at 9 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18 at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. 

Make Out the Words: two new short plays inspired by the unproduced writing of the late Matt Rieger, by Curious ensemble members Charlotte Lastra and Chris Bower. The show also features a performance of Rieger's own text by Beau O'Reilly. 

A strange encounter on a train leaves an aimless woman desperate for answers, and a flood with no explanation leaves a couple with a basement full of ruined Moby Dicks.

Drinking and Writing Theater: Miersten Wolf

Labyrinth Arts Club, 3658 N. Pulaski Rd.

Thursdays: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.

In this 70-minute musical, three stories are interwoven with 10 original songs. The stories include the truthful biographical information of the writer, the history of Chicago's problem/solution with its waste and, lastly, a fictional story of a crib keeper on Lake Michigan who dreams of a mysterious woman named Miersten Wolf.

Works in Progress

By Jeff Glassman, Mark Enslin and Susan Parenti

Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave.

Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m.

Works in progress include Radish is My Teacher by Jeff Glassman, a collection of scripts for puppets by Susan Parenti and a libretto by Mark Enslin about a stranded international volunteer incarcerated firefighter. Both Susan Parenti & Jeff Glassman have had new works produced here in Chicago and around the country over the last decade.

The Metamorphosis aka The Adult Show/I'm a Bug!!! aka the Kids Show

By Jessica Wright Buha

Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave.

Sundays: Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 at 11 a.m.

This staged reading presents TWO works-in-progress that will happen at the same time (in two separate rooms). 

The Metamorphosis aka The Adult Show, is a five-actor immersive show based on Franz Kafka's “The Metamorphosis.” 

I'm a Bug!!!! aka the Kids Show, is a two-actor/teaching artist show for kids based on Franz Kafka's “The Metamorphosis.” This second piece will also serve as child care for audience members going to see The Metamorphosis.

Shaking the Beckett: 

The Magic of Lady M. and A Needless & Wasteful Requirement

By Fat Theater Company

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, 1650 W. Foster Ave.

Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 at 9 p.m. 

These two one acts are both subjective and satirical interpretations of the works of two theatrical masters: William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett. The Magic of Lady M. by Laura Scruggs reimagines the tragedy of “Macbeth” as a feminist political satire in a style akin to John Waters or “Ru Paul's Drag Race.” A Needless & Wasteful Requirement by Robert MacCrae follows two actresses awaiting the performance rights to produce Waiting for Godot, which becomes an existential absurd comedy in the vein of Beckett himself. 

An Interview

By Ira Murfin

Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. at Labyrinth Arts Club, 3658 N. Pulaski Rd.

Saturday, Oct. 24 at 9 p.m. at Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, 1650 W. Foster Ave.

An Interview is an ongoing series of encounters between rotating pairs of participants, who meet across a table in front of an audience to first revisit an interview conducted during the previous installment and now to conduct a new, unrehearsed conversation. Every performance is specific, unique and unrepeatable, while each encounter is connected to all the others by the format and sequence that carries through the project’s 10-year history. 

Special Event: Maps, Guides & Legends

Led by Sherry Antonini and Jenny Magnus

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, 1650 W. Foster Ave.

Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Maps, Guides & Legends is a generative writing and interdisciplinary art-making workshop. A writing and creativity day based on the idea that doing is learning, and experiments and games are an explosive way to try new things. Antonini and Magnus have been teaching together for 30 years, from the incredible Interdisciplinary Arts Department at Columbia College Chicago back in the day to writing classes at The School of the Art Institute and everything in between. This duo knows how to have fun and get ideas rolling. Anyone can get ready to begin, begin again or find a way through the middle of a project. Open to writers and interdisciplinary artists at all levels, this workshop will point to new project routes, productive detours and discoveries of what can be found along unpaved roads. 

About the Rhinoceros Theater Festival

The event that became the Rhinoceros Theater Festival began in 1988 as an offshoot of the Bucktown Arts Fest and in its first year featured just two days of performances, including work by Curious Theatre Branch co-founders Jenny Magnus and Beau O'Reilly. Curious went on to produce the Rhino across many neighborhoods and venues over the years, with events variously taking place in Wicker Park/Bucktown, Rogers Park, Andersonville and Avondale; at spaces including the Lunar Cabaret and Full Moon Café, the Neo-Futurarium, the Society for New Things, The Garage, The Firehouse, Remains Theatre and Prop Thtr. In the mid-2000s, Rhinofest settled at Prop Thtr in Avondale as its long-term base and Prop and Curious co-produced the festival among a shifting group of curators for many years. Following the closure of Prop's Elston Ave. space in 2020 and a year off during the height of the pandemic, Rhinofest now returns to its expanded form, producing shows by more than 50 artists at multiple venues.

In "Panther in the Sky," playwright Lani T. Montreal masterfully weaves a tapestry of grief, resilience, and redemption through the intertwined narratives of four culturally diverse mothers who have tragically lost their teenage sons to the relentless grip of gun violence on the streets of Chicago. With exquisite sensitivity and profound insight, Montreal crafts each character with depth and authenticity, allowing their voices to resonate with universal truths while honoring the specificity of their individual experiences.

What sets "Panther In The Sky" apart is Montreal's unwavering commitment to portraying the rich diversity of human experience. Through the characters of Mami (Aida Palma Carpio), Momma (Jamia Amira Taylor), Nanay (Nina Mae Vidal Howard), and Mother (Venice Averyheart), she explores the intersections of race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, shining a spotlight on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by mothers from different cultural backgrounds. From Mami's fiery Latina spirit to Nanay's quiet strength rooted in her Asian heritage, Montreal celebrates the beauty of cultural diversity while highlighting the common thread of maternal love that binds these women together.

Director Mignon McPherson Stewart's masterful direction brings Montreal's characters to life with nuance and depth, drawing out the humanity in each of them with grace and sensitivity. Through subtle gestures, expressive movements, and evocative staging, Stewart invites the audience into the inner world of these grieving mothers and their spectral sons, allowing us to bear witness to their pain, their resilience, and their unwavering commitment to justice.

To convey the youthfulness of the sons, Stewart incorporates physicality and movement into the actors' performances, encouraging them to embody the exuberance and vitality of adolescence through expressive gestures, playful interactions, and dynamic stage presence. From Eddie's (Gustavo Duran) infectious laughter and James's (Kyle Johnson) irrepressible curiosity to David's (James Macapagal) endearing awkwardness and Michael's (Rashaad A. Bond) magnetic charisma, each actor infuses their portrayal with a sense of youthful energy that lights up the stage.

Stewart imbues these characters with a palpable sense of youthfulness, wonder, and promise, juxtaposing their ethereal presence with the stark reality of their untimely deaths. Through her insightful direction, Stewart captures the essence of adolescence—the boundless energy, the infectious enthusiasm, and the unbridled optimism that characterize this stage of life—while also infusing the characters with a sense of otherworldly wisdom and compassion beyond their years.

Stewart's genius lies in her ability to find the universal in the particular—to transcend the boundaries of race, culture, and identity to reveal the shared humanity that unites us all. Through her visionary direction, she guides her ensemble cast to deliver performances of breathtaking honesty and emotional resonance, leaving audiences spellbound and deeply moved.

The uncredited minimal set design, atmospheric soundscape by Rahsaan Nance, musical direction by Chip Payos, and evocative lighting design by Joshua Paul Weckesser seamlessly meld the two worlds of life and death, creating a hauntingly beautiful tapestry that transcends the boundaries of time and space. The minimal set, devoid of clutter and distraction, serves as a blank canvas upon which the emotional journey of the characters unfolds, reflecting the universality of the human experience. Rahsaan Nance's atmospheric soundscape, with its ethereal melodies and haunting echoes, envelops the audience in a world of emotion and atmosphere, blurring the lines between the earthly realm and the afterlife. Chip Payos's musical direction adds depth and resonance to the production, songs mourning lost potential were especially heart wrenching. Joshua Paul Weckesser's evocative lighting design, with its subtle shifts in color and intensity, underscores the interplay between light and shadow, life and death, guiding the audience on a journey through the depths of grief and the heights of hope. Together, these elements converge to create a transcendent theatrical experience.

"Panther in the Sky" marks the world premiere collaboration between Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble and Circa Pintig, following their successful partnership on "Daryo’s All-American Diner." While it may be tempting to label this as Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble's most ambitious work yet, such a statement would overlook the consistent trend of each production surpassing the last in both subject matter and execution. With a steadfast dedication to inspiring positive change through performance and social justice theatre, CDE, as articulated by its Executive Director Ellyzabeth Adler, remains committed to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and shedding light on important issues.

At its core, "Panther in the Sky" is a testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in the face of unspeakable tragedy. It is a play that challenges us to confront the harsh realities of gun violence while inspiring us to act and make a difference in the world. In the hands of Montreal and Stewart, it becomes not just a piece of theater, but a profound and transformative experience—one that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who are fortunate enough to witness it.

Highly Recommended

When: May 3 to 18 Friday/Saturday @8pm

Where: The Auditorium at Ebenezer Lutheran Church

               1650 W. Foster Avenue

Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Tickets: $10 - $30 (middle and High School students free)

https://www.circapintig.org/events/

https://www.danztheatre.org/panther-in-the-sky.html

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble (CDE) in collaboration with Duncan Dance Chicago has put together a production that undoubtedly will tap into one’s inner most feelings by way of a stunning presentation of interpretive dance, storytelling and art exhibition. Meditations on Being, performed at Danztheatre’s home in the Auditorium at Ebenezer Lutheran Church is, according to the Executive Director and Founder Ellyzabeth Adler, inspired by the difficulty the arts community has faced over the last four year but focuses on reflection, and reconnecting – rebuilding a sense of community. Meditations is a stunning collection of eight pieces that also include contributions by author and playwright Timothy David Rey and fellow artist/performer Courtney Reid Harris who has worked with Adler on past projects The Wasteland and This Is Not a Pipe.

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble opens the show with “Meditations on Nature: Birth, Decay and Renewal,” a segment co-created/performed by Wannapa P. Eubanks, that paces us nicely for what is to come after Adler sets the tone with heartfelt poetry that touches on the many frustrations we face in today’s society while offering a suggestion to reset by relinking with others to focus a peaceful mindset that revolves around the often overlooked, gift of the moment.

The production moves gracefully from one scene into the next. I was very touched by the two-woman dance piece by Duncan Dance Chicago titled “Street Salvation” with music by Chopin. The choreography was originally designed by company namesake Isadora Duncan. Duncan herself was simple and expressive. Artistic Director and Jennifer Sprowl performs beautifully as does Lila Rubin who portrays a young girl, down and out laying in the street, when an angel comes and tries to help her blossom and open up in the end. The angel walks towards Heaven and the young street girl finally able to get up and follow her.

“Confluence” created by Siwei Xu and Daria Jin is a lovely piece danced in complete silence. A beautiful girl is trapped in a maze of red velvet ropes suspended from the ceiling and her lover tries desperately to pull her out, so close at times yet so out of reach until the two are finally united.

Of the many poignant pieces the production delivers, “Elyse” created, and performed by Eileen Tull may have resonated with me the most. “Elyse” was a very well written monologue with interpretive dance about a young friend of hers who recently died of a heart attack. Tull’s delivery is compelling and her words, beautifully said in this lovely tribute to her dear friend, ever so moving. Connected to this piece, as part of the show’s visual art demonstration, one corner of the church space displays an art exhibit created by Tull, entitled “The Grieving Corner”. At one point in the piece, Tull asks the audience to call out the name of a person they were mourning, which I felt was very touching and effective.

“RIA” with choreographer and performer Anniela Huibobro and production by Gabriel Mercado with music by Victor Moris, Collen and Mercado is a stunning piece of modern dance while “Meditations on Walden” by CDE with text by Henry David Thoreau is a delightful and intriguing play on words and life. The act is summed up in the song “Who Knows Where the Time Goes” charmingly performed by Courtney Reid Harris to ensemble members Kerry Valentine Taylor, Jen Benjamin and Peyton Hooks.

The final presentation ends the show with expressive imagery that effectively sums up the program creator’s destined vision. “Meditations on Nature” includes beautiful video along with projected images of flowers and plants growing and unfolding while blossoming, as a woman donned in a wedding gown with a forty-foot train slowly walks up into the nature scenes. Her train becomes the final touch to the structure that houses a community rebuilt and reconnected.

Meditations on Being presents a powerful message thanks to inspired direction and its talented group of performers, writers and choreographers. I really enjoyed the way Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble employs so many different styles of dance from Isadora Duncan to modern along with the art installations that are available to look at during the intermission. This is a very lovely and touching, politically affecting night of entertainment and art. I highly recommended this production for audiences of all ages.

Mediations of Being is performed at Auditorium at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave through March 9th. Tickets are a suggested $10-$20 donation and running time is about one-hour and forty minutes, which includes a ten-minute intermission. For tickets and/or more information on this production, click here.