THEATER
**** Gay/les/bi/queer/trans content or interest
Previews and Opening Nights
Feb 19: Chicago V-Day 2003 Benefit Performance of The Vagina Monologues To benefit Family Rescue and Rape Victims Advocates organizations that provide much needed assistance to Chicago area women, men and families who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. V-Day is a worldwide movement to stop violence against women and girls with more than 2,300 artistic and theatrical events held this year. This special performance will feature more than 35 women representing local businesses, media outlets and non-profit agencies. Patrons who purchase $100 tickets and above are invited to attend a post-event reception where they can mingle with cast members and other guests. 7pm. performance; 9pm post-receptionDuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago 773 375 1918
Feb 20: Showtime! Black Theatre in Chicago Special theater event traces the history of black theater in Chicago through life stories of individuals who created it. Distinguished panelists Douglas Alan Mann, Chicago Theater Company; Val Gray Ward, Kuumba Theater; Okoro Harold Johnson, ETA Creative Arts Foundation and Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater join moderator, Chuck Smith of The Goodman Theatre to discuss how these Chicago institutions spearheaded the development of black theater in Chicago. Presented by The HistoryMakers and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Admission is free. Claudia Cassidy Theater Chicago Cultural Cntr, 77 E. Randolph St. call 312-674-1900
Feb 20: Tartuffe Moliere's classic indictment of religious hypocrisy is directed by Kevin Theis, thru Apr 13. 1020 W Bryn Mawr, 773 293-3682, www.citylit.org
Feb 22: I Am My Own Wife The About Face Festival of New Plays presents the story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, an openly transgendered East German woman who survived both the Nazi and Soviet eras. Written by Doug Wright and directed by Moisés Kaufman, this one-person show will preview here before heading to New York for an Off-Broadway run. Thru Mar 16. $20, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago, 312 280-2660
Feb. 22: Theater Fever 2003 11am - 3 pm throughout the Cultural Cntr Sample the Chicago theater scene in just a day with hands-on workshops, improvisation classes and interactive games. This showcase of Chicago's vibrant theatrical community puts audiences of all ages behind the scenes of many of the city's top shows. Free. Chicago Cultural Cntr, 77 E. Randolph St. Reservations not required. Call 312-742-1079.
In Performance
**** Precious Stones Set in Chicago in 1989 as the first Palestinian uprising rages in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, this production examines the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the "safe" yet turbulent terrain of the American Diaspora. Two women, one Jewish, the other Palestinian, join forces to organize an Arab-Jewish dialogue group, only to find themselves falling in love as they stumble upon the disputed territories of sexuality and class, thru Mar 2 Silk Road Theatre Project at the Studio Theater Chicago Cultural Cntr, 77 E. Randolph St. 866-468-3401
****Servicemen The relationship -- and competition -- between gay men and straight women is never more focused than when a boat load of sailors arrive on leave in New York during World War II. Thru Mar 2. Bailiwick Thtr 1229 W Belmont 773 883-1090
DANCE
Feb 8: Dance Cuba Chicago Theatre One performance only Sat, Feb 8. Dance Cuba will present Lizt Alfonso's latest work which possess a 'Cuban way' to perform with a combination of Flamenco, Ballet, Afro-Cuban and Cuban styles and rhythms. The cast is made up of 22 young women with 8 Cuban musicians. www.capa.com .
Art/Photo
Aldo Castillo Revisiting Frida, recent works by Esperanza Gama concentrates on the representation and metaphors utilized by Friday Kalho to describe her social and political beliefs, dramatic medical problems, etc. Feb 21 - Mar 29, 2003. 233 W Huron, 312 337-2536, www.artaldo.com
Columbia College Symbols, Myth and Metaphors: a process exhibition of Latin American Artists curated by Oscar Martinez, president, Latin American Museum of Art. Some artists included: Javier Chavira, Sergio Gomez, Raul Ortiz, Michele Tuohey and more. Gallery Hours Tuesday - Saturday 11-5 pm. A+D 11th Street Gallery, 72 East 11th St., 312 344-6456.
Field Museum A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico, thru Feb 9. 1400 S Lake Shore, 312 922-9410
Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and 20th Century Mexican Art: The Jacques Natasha Gelman Collection, an extensive survey of the most influential and important artists and art movements of Mexico, runs January 24 thru April 27, 2003. 1852 W. 19th St., 312 738-1503. www.mfacmchicago.org
Woman Made Gallery Normal/ Abnormal, group exhibition juried by Ann Starr; solo exhibition Normal/Abnormal by Ann Starr - works on paper, Jan 24 thru Feb 20, 2003. 2418 W. Bloomingdale Ave., 773 489-8900.
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See the front page, left side directory of www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com for comprehensive listings of theater openings and productions now on stage
