Goodman Theatre presents A Celebration of Latina|o Artists.
This winter, Goodman Theatre will present two important world premiere productions: Another Word for Beauty, written by one of the country’s most distinguished playwrights, José Rivera; and 2666, Robert Falls’ and Seth Bockley’s adaptation of the landmark novel by Roberto Bolaño. To further highlight the extraordinary work of these and other Latina and Latino writers, please join Goodman for an in-depth celebration of Latina/o writing, featuring readings, panel discussions and other events focused on the uniquely poetic voices of several of our most esteemed authors.
Monday, February 15 - Monday, February 29, 2016
![]()
La Ruta by Issac Gomez
Monday, February 15 at 7pm | National Museum of Mexican Art | 1852 W. 19th St.
Presented by Goodman Theatre
Directed by Jo Cattell
Pulled from real testimonies, La Ruta follows two mothers searching for their missing daughters. Inspired by the unsolved murders of hundreds of women in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (a story also at the heart of 2666), this play examines a community of women attempting to live in the wake of unspeakable loss. This reading will be part of a larger conversation about the impact of violence on vulnerable communities and serves as the launch for a contest for young playwrights. Winning entries will receive a public reading at the Goodman. Free, Reservations Required. RSVP here.
School of the Americas by José Rivera
Wednesday, February 17 at 7:30pm | 2620 W. Division St.
Presented by Urban Theater Company
Directed by Juan Casteaneda
In the Bolivian jungle, Che Guevara is captured and held in a one-room schoolhouse. For two days, his fate remains in limbo until a young school teacher in the village insists that she be granted permission to speak to the famous revolutionary. Free, Reservations Required. This event is currently sold out.
Marisol by José Rivera
Thursday, February 18 at 7:30pm | Polk Rehearsal Room at Goodman Theatre
Presented by Teatro Vista
Directed by Ricardo Gutierrez
A war between Uzi-wielding angels and an insane God interrupts the life of a Puerto Rican copy editor living in New York. José Rivera’s award-winning play details a vision of a city where bizarre and surreal violence takes over as the end of the world draws near. Free, Reservations Required. This event is currently sold out.
The Hours are Feminine by José Rivera
Friday, February 19 at 7:30pm | Polk Rehearsal Room at Goodman Theatre
Presented by Goodman Theatre
1960. Two immigrant families—one Italian American, the other Puerto Rican—move to Long Island. Racism and differing languages keep the neighbors apart, until a unexpected friendship offers an opportunity for kindness and a new sense of home. Free, Reservations Required. This event is currently sold out.
References to Salvador Dalí Make Me Hot by José Rivera
Saturday, February 20 at 1pm (Panel Discussion at 3pm) | Wallis Theatre at Northwestern University | 1949 Campus Dr., Evanston
Presented by Northwestern University Department of Theatre
The moon, a cat and the boy next door keep Gabriela company as she waits for her husband to return from fighting in the Persian Gulf. Magical realism and gritty naturalism collide in this story of lust, longing and love. Free, Reservations Required. RSVP here. Panel discussion immediately following. Scholars and artists discuss the legacy of José Rivera’s work. Tickets must be reserved seperately.
Panel Discussion on the Work of José Rivera
Saturday, February 20 at 3pm | Wallis Theatre at Northwestern University | 1949 Campus Dr., Evanston
Presented by Northwestern University Department of Theatre
Free, Reservations Required. RSVP here.
Fefu and Her Friends by María Irene Fornés
Wednesday, February 24 at 7:30pm | Rivendell Theatre Ensemble | 5779 N. Ridge Ave.
Presented by Rivendell Theatre
Directed by Jessica Fisch
Fefu, a well-to-do philanthropist, invites her closest female friends to her home to rehearse a politically subversive play they plan to present at a charity event. In the absurdist scenes that follow, the women explore their relationships, their bonds with the men who control their lives, and how power is simultaneously desired and relinquished. Free, Reservations Required. For reservations please call 773.334.7728 or reserve online here.
Mud by María Irene Fornés
Thursday, February 25 at 7:30pm | The Den Theatre | 1329 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Presented by the Hypocrites Theater Chicago
In a desperately poor rural community, a young woman tries to pull herself out of the conditions into which she was born. When she brings home an older man, tensions come to a head and escaping home becomes a matter of life and death. Free, Reservations Required. For reservations please call 872.205.6525 or reserve online here.
Sarita by María Irene Fornés
Friday, February 26 at 7:30pm | Polk Rehearsal Room at Goodman Theatre
Presented by Goodman Theatre
Directed by Tlaloc Rivas
After an unplanned pregnancy at age 14, Sarita runs away from home and into the arms of her schoolyard crush. Romance, lust, rage and madness swirl around her as the years pass and bring with them a series of complicated loves. Free, Reservations Required. RSVP here.
The Conduct of Life by María Irene Fornés
Saturday, February 27 at 1pm | Healy Theatre at DePaul University | 2350 N. Racine
Presented by The Theatre School at DePaul University
Directed by Lisa Portes
Something’s rotten in an unnamed Latin American country where Orlando, a lieutenant specializing in torture, and his wife live a seemingly comfortable existence. But as Orlando’s unusual and unsettling passions mount, a terrible secret kept in the basement threatens to explode. Panel discussion immediately following the performance. Scholars and artists discuss the impact and legacy of María Irene Fornés’ work. Panelists include Migdalia Cruz and Brian Herrera. To reserve tickets to the reading and panel discussion call 773.325.7900 or email TheatreBoxOffice@DePaul.edu.
Poetry of Bolaño, Márquez and Galeano
Monday, February 29 at 7:30pm | Aguijon Theater | 61 W. SUPERIOR ST.
Presented by The Poetry Foundation and Aguijon Theater
The poetry of Roberto Bolaño, Gabriel García Márquez and Eduardo Galeano is among the most vivid and haunting in contemporary literature. Performances of the outstanding writings of these three uniquely Latin American artists will be presented by Aguijón Theater. Click here to learn more.
These events are free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
"Behind the Curtain" is a special section of ChicagoPlays.com listing free events that enhance and complement your theatre-going experiences. Get an inside look at local Chicago theatre companies through forums, panel discussions, community events, and even parties. Planning to attend this "Behind the Curtain" event? Post about it on Twitter with the hashtag #BehindTheCurtain. For more upcoming events, visit http://bit.ly/behindcurtain.
This winter, Goodman Theatre will present two important world premiere productions: Another Word for Beauty, written by one of the country’s most distinguished playwrights, José Rivera; and 2666, Robert Falls’ and Seth Bockley’s adaptation of the landmark novel by Roberto Bolaño. To further highlight the extraordinary work of these and other Latina and Latino writers, please join Goodman for an in-depth celebration of Latina/o writing, featuring readings, panel discussions and other events focused on the uniquely poetic voices of several of our most esteemed authors.
Monday, February 15 - Monday, February 29, 2016
La Ruta by Issac Gomez
Monday, February 15 at 7pm | National Museum of Mexican Art | 1852 W. 19th St.
Presented by Goodman Theatre
Directed by Jo Cattell
Pulled from real testimonies, La Ruta follows two mothers searching for their missing daughters. Inspired by the unsolved murders of hundreds of women in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (a story also at the heart of 2666), this play examines a community of women attempting to live in the wake of unspeakable loss. This reading will be part of a larger conversation about the impact of violence on vulnerable communities and serves as the launch for a contest for young playwrights. Winning entries will receive a public reading at the Goodman. Free, Reservations Required. RSVP here.
School of the Americas by José Rivera
Wednesday, February 17 at 7:30pm | 2620 W. Division St.
Presented by Urban Theater Company
Directed by Juan Casteaneda
In the Bolivian jungle, Che Guevara is captured and held in a one-room schoolhouse. For two days, his fate remains in limbo until a young school teacher in the village insists that she be granted permission to speak to the famous revolutionary. Free, Reservations Required. This event is currently sold out.
Marisol by José Rivera
Thursday, February 18 at 7:30pm | Polk Rehearsal Room at Goodman Theatre
Presented by Teatro Vista
Directed by Ricardo Gutierrez
A war between Uzi-wielding angels and an insane God interrupts the life of a Puerto Rican copy editor living in New York. José Rivera’s award-winning play details a vision of a city where bizarre and surreal violence takes over as the end of the world draws near. Free, Reservations Required. This event is currently sold out.
The Hours are Feminine by José Rivera
Friday, February 19 at 7:30pm | Polk Rehearsal Room at Goodman Theatre
Presented by Goodman Theatre
1960. Two immigrant families—one Italian American, the other Puerto Rican—move to Long Island. Racism and differing languages keep the neighbors apart, until a unexpected friendship offers an opportunity for kindness and a new sense of home. Free, Reservations Required. This event is currently sold out.
References to Salvador Dalí Make Me Hot by José Rivera
Saturday, February 20 at 1pm (Panel Discussion at 3pm) | Wallis Theatre at Northwestern University | 1949 Campus Dr., Evanston
Presented by Northwestern University Department of Theatre
The moon, a cat and the boy next door keep Gabriela company as she waits for her husband to return from fighting in the Persian Gulf. Magical realism and gritty naturalism collide in this story of lust, longing and love. Free, Reservations Required. RSVP here. Panel discussion immediately following. Scholars and artists discuss the legacy of José Rivera’s work. Tickets must be reserved seperately.
Panel Discussion on the Work of José Rivera
Saturday, February 20 at 3pm | Wallis Theatre at Northwestern University | 1949 Campus Dr., Evanston
Presented by Northwestern University Department of Theatre
Free, Reservations Required. RSVP here.
Fefu and Her Friends by María Irene Fornés
Wednesday, February 24 at 7:30pm | Rivendell Theatre Ensemble | 5779 N. Ridge Ave.
Presented by Rivendell Theatre
Directed by Jessica Fisch
Fefu, a well-to-do philanthropist, invites her closest female friends to her home to rehearse a politically subversive play they plan to present at a charity event. In the absurdist scenes that follow, the women explore their relationships, their bonds with the men who control their lives, and how power is simultaneously desired and relinquished. Free, Reservations Required. For reservations please call 773.334.7728 or reserve online here.
Mud by María Irene Fornés
Thursday, February 25 at 7:30pm | The Den Theatre | 1329 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Presented by the Hypocrites Theater Chicago
In a desperately poor rural community, a young woman tries to pull herself out of the conditions into which she was born. When she brings home an older man, tensions come to a head and escaping home becomes a matter of life and death. Free, Reservations Required. For reservations please call 872.205.6525 or reserve online here.
Sarita by María Irene Fornés
Friday, February 26 at 7:30pm | Polk Rehearsal Room at Goodman Theatre
Presented by Goodman Theatre
Directed by Tlaloc Rivas
After an unplanned pregnancy at age 14, Sarita runs away from home and into the arms of her schoolyard crush. Romance, lust, rage and madness swirl around her as the years pass and bring with them a series of complicated loves. Free, Reservations Required. RSVP here.
The Conduct of Life by María Irene Fornés
Saturday, February 27 at 1pm | Healy Theatre at DePaul University | 2350 N. Racine
Presented by The Theatre School at DePaul University
Directed by Lisa Portes
Something’s rotten in an unnamed Latin American country where Orlando, a lieutenant specializing in torture, and his wife live a seemingly comfortable existence. But as Orlando’s unusual and unsettling passions mount, a terrible secret kept in the basement threatens to explode. Panel discussion immediately following the performance. Scholars and artists discuss the impact and legacy of María Irene Fornés’ work. Panelists include Migdalia Cruz and Brian Herrera. To reserve tickets to the reading and panel discussion call 773.325.7900 or email TheatreBoxOffice@DePaul.edu.
Poetry of Bolaño, Márquez and Galeano
Monday, February 29 at 7:30pm | Aguijon Theater | 61 W. SUPERIOR ST.
Presented by The Poetry Foundation and Aguijon Theater
The poetry of Roberto Bolaño, Gabriel García Márquez and Eduardo Galeano is among the most vivid and haunting in contemporary literature. Performances of the outstanding writings of these three uniquely Latin American artists will be presented by Aguijón Theater. Click here to learn more.
These events are free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
"Behind the Curtain" is a special section of ChicagoPlays.com listing free events that enhance and complement your theatre-going experiences. Get an inside look at local Chicago theatre companies through forums, panel discussions, community events, and even parties. Planning to attend this "Behind the Curtain" event? Post about it on Twitter with the hashtag #BehindTheCurtain. For more upcoming events, visit http://bit.ly/behindcurtain.
