A.B.L.E. - Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations is thrilled to return to Chicago Shakespeare Theater this spring with a re-imagining of the epic classic The Odyssey.

A.B.L.E's production weaves music, movement, shadow puppetry, and scenes devised by the group into a powerful and joyful celebration of the choices we make, and the challenges we face along our journey. The vibrant adaptation features a neurodiverse cast of 44 performers, including 24 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The performance in the Courtyard Theater on May 11, 2024 at 2pm will mark the two companies’ 7th collaboration, most recently having co-produced A Midsummer Night’s Dream last spring.

The theme of fate vs. agency is prevalent in Homer’s tale, and it’s one that co-directors Braden Cleary and Katie Yohe particularly wanted to highlight with the Ensembles. Currently, 24 actors with varying disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism take part in A.B.L.E.’s performance ensembles. “Folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities often have a lot of choices made for them, or it’s presumed that they are not capable of making their own choices,” says Yohe, also A.B.L.E.’s Executive Artistic Director. “Braden and I drafted a loose skeleton of the story but the script and production is really actor-led.” Each actor self-identified where their strengths lie as a performer, and were assigned to a chapter of the story based on their interests.

Actor Lucas Miezal holds a green sheet of paper as he shares ideas during a writing session. Actors developed original dialogue and movement pieces for their scenes. - Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux

Actor Emily Kwidzinski and volunteer facilitator Megan Gray collaborate on movement for a character. Each actor works closely with a member of A.B.L.E.’s teaching team to ensure they have the individual support and accommodations necessary to thrive onstage - Photo by Justin Barbin

Colin Baar is one of 8 actor playing Odysseus throughout the production - photo by Justin Barbin

Marissa Bloodgood hugs her hands to her heart and tosses her head back with a laugh as the loving and hopeful Penelope - photo by Justin Barbin

Actors like Jake Solworth pair with volunteer facilitators like Amy Bahr to receive individual attention in every A.B.L.E. rehearsal - photo by Justin Barbin

Over the course of a 10-week rehearsal process, actors collaborated with a team of volunteer facilitators to build the story. Facilitator Kara Davidson, a company member at Manual Cinema, helped actors design and build shadow puppets to bring to life monsters like the Cyclops and Scylla. Music Educator Polly Yukevich loaned the ensembles 15 ukuleles to bring musical magic to The Lotus Eaters and the seductive Sirens.

Christian Boyd leans in close to the camera and raises his hands as if coming to grab the viewer. Christian will appear as one of the sirens. In A.B.L.E.’s version, these seductive songstresses will tempt Odysseus and crew with an original rap written by the cast. - Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux

Ensemble members gather to rehearse a shadow puppet segment - photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux

Co-director Katie Yohe introduces a jointed Cyclops shadow puppet to members of the ensemble. The Odyssey will feature shadow puppet monsters and settings with consultation from Manual Cinema company member, Kara Davidson. - Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux

Performer Sam Radinsky is one of 6 puppeteers in the production. Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux

A.B.L.E. is committed to ensuring everyone feels they have a space in the theatre. The sensory-friendly performance will include numerous accessibility supports for audience members of all ages and ability levels. This includes dual ASL interpretation and open captioning. A.B.L.E. also reserves a designated movement zone for audience members who need to move around to help them focus. Audience members will receive a social story and sensory guide before the show to help them know what to expect from their trip to the theatre. Yohe says, “We hope we can set an example for our community of what true inclusion looks like both onstage and off.”

The Monday ensemble celebrates after a successful rehearsal - *photo by Joe Mazza/BraveLux*

Don’t miss this one-time-only theatrical event Saturday May 11, 2024 at 2pm at Chicago Shakespeare Theater!

Tickets onsale now!

ABLE is committed to removing barriers, and that includes ensuring our work is financially accessible for everyone who wants to attend. Tickets for this event are pay-what-you-can; pick the pricing tier that works for you:

$15 - I am ABLE to connect - this level represents ABLE’s commitment to making the arts accessible for all.
$30 - I am ABLE to contribute - this level helps offset crucial production costs like props, costumes, and rehearsal space.
$45 - I am ABLE to create - this level represents the true cost of A.B.L.E.’s programming. If everyone purchased a ticket at this level, we would break even for this semester.

Can’t attend live? That’s okay! Performances will be available to stream On Demand from ableensemble.com/athome later this year

This production of The Odyssey is sponsored by Gail and Dennis Rossow. A.B.L.E.’s 2023-2024 Season is partially supported by grants from The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, FunFund, The Illinois Arts Council, Innovation 80, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and The National Endowment for the Arts.