“Lord what fools these mortals be!”
This spring, A.B.L.E. returns to the stage and our classical roots with a multimedia version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, updated for our social-media obsessed times. Our modern adaptation by A.B.L.E. teaching artist Emma MacLean focuses on the themes of connection and disconnection. The king and queen of the fairies are fighting, the mechanicals are rehearsing a play but no one knows their lines, and the Athenian teens keep changing their relationship status. Join ABLE’s ensembles as we miss texts, drop calls, and wander love struck in the Athenian forest.
This multimedia production will weave Shakespeare’s words with original scenes, monologues, songs, and dances devised by our ensembles, as well as animated film sequences from VFX designer Brock Alter. The virtual ensemble will narrate the tale for us as the in-person ensembles take the stage Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
With your ticket, you have the option of participating in a 45 minute interactive workshop led by A.B.L.E.'s team of Creative Associates and Teaching Artists. Audiences can experience some of the games and activities A.B.L.E. used to bring their ideas to the stage, get a touch tour of key costume pieces and props, and try A.B.L.E.'s signature "dropping in" method. This exclusive opportunity is only available to 20 ticket holders each day - reserve your spot when booking your ticket. Click here to view a Social Story for the Workshop.
At this Performance:
The Monday Ensemble appearing ONSTAGE
Actors: Christian Boyd, Sandia Coleman, Martin Conway, Sophie Earvolino, Ryan Foley, Anna Luzadder, Maggie Marren, Matt Marren, Lucy Walsh
Assistant Stage Manager: Sam Radinsky
Stand-Ins: Matthew Danaher, Claire O’Leary
Facilitators: Chloe Belongilot, Shannon Diegel, Mary Feigenbutz, Erin Nishida, Margaret Sheils, Lindsay Stock, Haley Wolf
Teaching Artists: Braden Cleary & Kiaran Hartnett
The Virtual Ensemble appearing ONSCREEN
Actors: Rachel Buchanan, Benjamin Collins, Natalia Janik, Fletcher Jones, Matt La Chapelle, Emily Lavin, Mila Medina, Lucas Miezal, Maddi Perez, Tommy Shimoda
Facilitators: Nette Angelini, Chelsea Hosler, Erica Johnson, Sorcha Pardoe, Julianne Shea, Polly Yukevich
Teaching Artists: Lawrence Kern & Emma MacLean
Pricing:
Pay-what-you-can general admission, starting at $15
Transportation
There are lots of different ways to get to Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Parking and Directions page on CST's website has lots of information about how to get there. Click here for our Transportation Social Story to learn more about how to get to Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Accessibility:
This is a relaxed and sensory friendly performance
This performance will be open captioned
This performance will be dual ASL interpreted
There will be a pre-show touch tour for audience members who are blind/low vision
COVID Safety:
Navy Pier is a busy public space, and you may pass through other unmasked individuals and groups on your way to the theater. However, to ensure our immunocompromised performers and community members with disabilities feel safe and welcome, all audience members must remain masked for the duration of their time in the theater building. Thank you for helping protect the most vulnerable among us.
Can’t attend live?:
That’s okay! Performances will be available to stream on-demand later in 2023
