Drunk Shakespeare goes union
The “thirsty thespians” win Equity representation; Victory Harvest aims to empower playwrights.
The Latest from the Ben Joravsky Show
Matt Topic—Secret Chicago – The Ben Joravsky Show
Matt Topic, one of the foremost FOIA lawyers in the state, ponders the big question: Why are our mayors so determined to keep us ignorant of what they’re doing? And was Mayor Lightfoot—who promised to “bring in the light”—even worse on this front than Rahm and Daley? Worse as in concealing basic information from the public. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Latest Stories
‘Shift: Music, Meaning, Context’ reveals music’s multitudes
This cross-disciplinary exhibition shows music’s ability to both torture and heal.
Is there lead in there?
The Chicagoan’s guide to reducing contamination in drinking water at home
Polymathic percussionist Derf Reklaw deserved a better farewell
This wildly creative multi-instrumentalist was barely eulogized, despite a career that took him through Phil Cohran’s Artistic Heritage Ensemble and gigs with Eddie Harris and Ramsey Lewis.
Asian American renegades
Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon subverts the criminals-on-a-road-trip narrative.
Faith and memory
Redtwist’s Agnes of God avoids the sensationalist traps in the story.
In the ring with Shaw and Tunney
Douglas Post’s new play showcases the friendship between prizefighter and playwright.
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Inside Vivaldi’s all-female orchestra
Julia Fine’s new novel is a dark fantasy set in 18th-century Venice.
Microcinema, rock ’n’ roll photography, and more
Upcoming screenings, gallery talks, and other events you should know about
News & INVESTIGATIONS
How the FBI used ‘Cop City’ protests to snoop on activists in Chicago
Internal FBI documents mentioned “Anarchist Violent Extremists”
Worth the risk?
Fallout from a queer erotica screening at Sleeping Village exhibits how far cultural institutions still have to go to support the entire LGBTQ+ community.
’People of all generations healing together’
Ammie Kae Brooks, LCSW, creates therapeutic healing space for Black families.
Columns & Opinion
Starship Chicago II has landed
The tale of the Thompson Center, continued
Lemming city
Mainstream Chicago is just a little too giddy about Mayor Johnson’s chief of staff.
Film
Review: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The beautifully animated sequel to Into the Spider-Verse somehow tops its predecessor.
Review: Shooting Stars
Shortcomings in writing and acting ruin what should be a compelling story.
Review: Reality
The deeply unsettling drama lets FBI interrogation recordings speak for themselves.
Arts & Culture
A provocative Pippin
Music Theater Works offers a bleaker take on the coming-of-age musical.
A ‘miraculous’ West Side Story
Lyric’s revival soars—and keep an eye on Tony.
Samantha Irby is midwest fancy
The irreverent author returns with new essay collection, Quietly Hostile.
Mean what you draw, draw what you mean
Runsy shows us who Esperanza Rosas is in her first Chicago solo exhibition.
Breaking barriers onstage
A.B.L.E. redefines Shakespeare with an inclusive, modern Dream.
Music
Avant-garde jazz genius Henry Threadgill drops in to talk about his new memoir
Plus: Pianist Javier Red releases an album devoted to empathy for autistic kids, and world-weary cabaret singer Mister Tom Musick showcases his many moods on a new record.
‘This is the kind of stuff I’ve looked for my entire time in America’
The Chicago Mehfil creates a space for South Asian arts that’s free of casteism and religious nationalism and open to everyone.
CITY LIFE
Cronenberg, comedy, and weirdo music
Upcoming events and ongoing activities you should know about
Black high school lacrosse is here to stay
Chicago’s south-side high schools are adding lacrosse teams in their sports programs.
Food & Drink
Be our guest with Bad Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza at the next Monday Night Foodball
Join Belle and the Beast, and their Lumiere, chef John Pragalz, for the Reader‘s weekly chef pop-up at Ludlow Liquors.
The spice must flow with Tasting India and Friends at the next Monday Night Foodball
Check out Jasmine Sheth’s all-star lineup of masala-slinging chefs at the Reader’s weekly chef pop-up at Ludlow Liquors.
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In Motion: The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project centers equity and opportunity while celebrating local artistry
Amid an inequitable arts landscape, an innovative, multi-year initiative called the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project [CBDLP] has emerged…
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Help support Multiple Sclerosis research with your purchase of a “It Takes 2” specialty ticket from the Illinois Lottery
In 2008, the Illinois Lottery launched a specialty ticket benefiting the Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society…
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Immerse yourself in the darkest side of humanity at Chicago’s Medieval Torture Museum
Learn the history of torture and execution, and chase ghosts at one of the Loop’s hottest attractions Have you…
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The YWCA and Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline support Chicagoland’s sexual assault survivors
Volunteer as a sexual assault victim advocate, and make a difference in people’s lives when they need it the…
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Support Special Olympics Illinois with your purchase of Illinois Lottery’s “Fat Wallet” Instant Ticket
In 2014, the Illinois Lottery launched the nation’s first specialty lottery ticket benefiting the Special Olympics, the world’s largest…
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Transit 4 All campaigns for equity, accessibility, and improved service for Chicago transit riders
By Reader Staff
Chicago has one of the largest transit systems in the United States, but despite its size, it has many…