Don't miss A.B.L.E.'s first live performances since 2019!

So much has changed since the last time we were onstage. We've lost connection with some old friends, found new ways of connecting with each other, and learned a lot about ourselves in the process. Join A.B.L.E.'s ensembles - 30 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities - for two unique multimedia productions inspired by their own lives, and the ways we connect with ourselves, with our loved ones, and with our community.

Between the shows, join A.B.L.E.'s Creative Associates for an interactive workshop to experience for yourself how we bring our ideas to the stage.

We are so excited to reconnect with you!

3 unique events in one day - Saturday November 19, 2022

11am Performance by the Sunday Ensemble, featuring members of the Virtual Ensemble

It is hard when your loved ones are far away. Through scenes, monologues, and lots of movement, this multimedia show is built around the letters we imagine sending to our loved ones, sharing the good, the bad, the scary, and the silly along the way.

Run time: approximately 70 minutes

2pm Workshop led by A.B.L.E. Teaching Artists and Creative Associates

Peek behind the curtain and experience for yourself how A.B.L.E. brings our performances to the stage. In this interactive session, A.B.L.E.’s Creative Associates and Teaching Artists will teach some of our favorite games for devising. All levels of skill and ability are welcome, ages 10 and up.

Run time: 90 minutes

7pm Performance by the Monday ensemble, featuring members of the Virtual Ensemble

No matter how much we want to connect, sometimes things get in the way - fear, miscommunication, and our own minds. Through monologues, scenes, movement, and some musical mash-ups, we share reflections from our own lives on the way to finding deeper connections with our friends, our community, and ourselves.

Run time: approximately 85 minutes

 

Accessibility: Performances will be Open Captioned and ASL interpreted.

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 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 in January 2023.

Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

800 East Grand Avenue (on Navy Pier)

 
 

This event is partially supported by grants from: