At one point in Theatre Y’s ambulatory Laughing Song: A Walking Dream, Marvin Tate as George W. Johnson (the first Black American recording artist) is asked by a reporter at a press conference, “Is your laugh real, or is it fake?” It’s a reasonable question—but by the end of this four-hour show, which weaves together […]
Tag: Melissa Lorraine
Posted inArts & Culture
Marvin Tate takes us on a dreamwalk through North Lawndale
When Chicago poet, sculptor, and musician Marvin Tate was in elementary school, he had a terrible stutter. To help him, his older sister gave him a poem to practice reading aloud. The poem was “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks. That’s the one that begins with “We real cool. We/Left school.” and ends with “We/Jazz […]
Posted inTheater Preview
Theatre Y explores Chicago’s “emerald necklace” in YOU ARE HERE.
In 2019, Theatre Y presented The Camino Project, an engaging five-hour miniature pilgrimage through Bucktown and Humboldt Park featuring experiential pieces intermingling dance, theater, and performance art. The adventure culminated in a group meal with audience members and actors breaking bread. It was a delightful experience and an ambitious endeavor having actors guiding guests through […]
Posted inArts & Culture
We’re Gonna Die offers a poignant portrait of mortality
Theatre Y turns Young Jean Lee’s play into an elliptical but moving film project.
Posted inArts & Culture
Theatre Y hosts a virtual birthday celebration
A new video performance art series highlights András Visky’s texts and visions.
Posted inArts & Culture
Art expands the world of Juliet
An exhibit accompanying Theatre Y’s latest production puts motherhood front and center.
Posted inArts & Culture
Juliet is a naked cry of pain
But Theatre Y’s staging covers up the Romanian prison camp story with too many needless additions.
Posted inArts & Culture
The Camino Project combines pilgrimage and theater
Theatre Y’s ambulatory production stretches over six hours and five miles—and it’s worth your time and effort.
Posted inArts & Culture
The best part of Self-Accusation happens out on the sidewalk
Breaking the frame brings this German avant garde play to life.
Posted inArts & Culture
The four plays that make up Stories of the Body plumb the depths of women’s experience
A Renaissance painter, a dancer, a sex worker, and Mother Teresa explore what it means to be female.
Posted inArts & Culture
Born Yesterday, The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz, and seven more new theater and comedy reviews
A classic from Remy Bumppo and a revival from the House Theatre of Chicago are among this week’s best bets.
Posted inArts & Culture
The Scottsboro Boys, The Ghoul Exhibition, and nine more new theater reviews
A Chicago premiere from Porchlight and a searing solo show on gun violence are among this week’s best bets.
Posted inArts & Culture
Mike Mother, Best of Enemies, The 180 Degree Rule, and eight more stage shows to see now
A Neo-Futurist show, a drama about an almost unimaginable alliance, and a satire of Hollywood’s golden age are among the hits this week.
Posted inArts & Culture
The most unassuming diva on the planet shines in The Beautiful Days of Aranjuez
Melissa Lorraine of Theatre Y gets to be herself in this late play by Peter Handke.
Posted inArts & Culture
“There’s something in me that wants to steal the holiness”
Theatre Y prepares to open The Binding, inspired by Jewish apocryphal text, in a Logan Square church.