Spotlight: International Voices Project showcases international playwrights
Virtual cabaret
BoHo Theatre hosts "The Pursuit of Happiness," a virtual cabaret showcasing Black, Indigenous and people of color and examining their perspectives on freedom.
"We're giving these artists a platform to share the truest version of themselves doing what they do best, creating art that satisfies their soul," said BoHo's executive director Sana Selemon in a prepared statement.
Featured artists include Averis Anderson, Ariana Burks, Dillon Chitto, Mariah Copeland, Caitlin Dobbins, Laz Estrada, Dwayne Everett, Donterrio Johnson, Jennifer Ledesma, Marguerite Mariama and Sophiyaa Nayar among others.
Premieres online Friday, Aug. 28. Donations benefit the artists. See bohotheatre.com.
Virtual showcase
The International Voices Project showcasing works by international playwrights returns for its 11th season Wednesday, Sept. 2, in virtual form. Presented in cooperation with Chicago-area theaters and cultural institutions, readings stream at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 21. They're followed by talk backs with key participants and viewers.
"Even though we will miss being physically with our loyal audiences that have grown over the last 10 years, all of us at International Voices Project are embracing the need to go virtual this season," said executive director Patrizia Acerra in a prepared statement. "We are looking forward to sharing these stories with this base and a new virtual audience from all around the world."
The schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Sept. 2: "Juaria," by Spanish writer Jordi Casanovas in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes of Chicago and Water People Theater; Sept. 9: "Take the Rubbish Out, Sasha" by Ukrainian writer Natal'ya Vorozhbit in collaboration with Promethean Theatre Ensemble; Sept. 16: "All Adventurous Women Do" by Serbian writer Tanja Sljivar; Sept. 23: "Testosterone" by German writer Rebekka Kricheldorf; Sept. 30: "Decomposed Theatre" by Romanian playwright Matei Visniec in collaboration with Trap Door Theatre; Oct. 7: "Second Nature" by Finnish writer Pipsa Lonka in collaboration with Akvavit Theatre; Oct. 14: "The Boatman" by Egyptian writer Sameh Mahran in collaboration with the Egyptian American Society; Oct. 21: "A Distinct Society" by Canadian playwright Kareem Fahmy in collaboration with Silk Road Rising. See ivpchicago.org.
In other news
• Kate Flannery, who played Meredith on NBC's "The Office," hosts Chicago Dramatists' virtual gala at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Titled La Nuit D'Amour, the free event honors resident writers and includes interviews and readings from Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok, Lydia R. Diamond, Alice Austen and Sue Pak. Donations will help fund Chicago Dramatists programs. (872) 201-1077 or chicagodramatists.org.
• Court Theatre awarded theater artist Kelvin Roston Jr. - a veteran of Congo Square, Court, Paramount, Marriott, Writers, Northlight and Steppenwolf theaters - the Nicholas Rudall Classic Artist Award for his dedication to classic plays. "There aren't words that can adequately express how completely overwhelmed and honored I felt when I received the news," said Roston in a prepared statement. "It feels incredible to have your peers enjoy your work."
• Sideshow Theatre announced Regina Victor as its incoming artistic director. Victor replaces Jonathan L. Green, who steps down this fall after 13 years. "Leading a company in this time is a challenge I do not take lightly, but I have been on this collaborative journey with Sideshow for some time now. It's where I've made some of my most exciting and long-lasting artistic collaborations and friendships. As a Black trans leader and the first ensemble member of color in this company, I have been moved by the unquestioning faith and advocacy of the ensemble as they encouraged me to step into this position," said Victor in a prepared statement.
• PlayMakers Laboratory has extended its online revue "That's Weird, Grandma: House Par-Tay," comprised of skits adapted from stories by students submitted during the COVID-19 shut down. Performances stream at 8 p.m. Mondays on Patreon through Oct. 5. On Sept. 7 and 14, PlayMakers streams footage from past shows. Tickets range from $2 to $4 and are available at playmakerslab.org.