Monty Cole, Arti Ishak, Salar Ardebili and Cassidy Slaughter-Mason in a publicity image for “Kiss” at Haven Theatre/Photo: Joe Mazza, Brave Lux Inc.
1 Uncharted Festival (The New Colony) Founded in recognition of Chicago’s passion for creating and producing new American plays, this two week festival aims to connect audiences with today’s stories and tomorrow’s playwrights. July 11 – 20
2 Strange Heart Beating (Cloudgate Theatre) A darkly fantastical look at the rural Midwest, the murky nature of justice and the prejudices that lie just beneath the surface. Opens July 13
3 20/20 (About Face Theatre Youth Ensemble) Immersed in a timeless club atmosphere, this collective work explores the resilience of chosen families, the generational impact of AIDS, and the evolution of gender. Opens July 13
4 Kiss (Haven Theatre) Monty Cole directs and performs in a bold theatrical experience that asks, “If art is a tool for empathy, what are the limits?” Opens July 23
5 Still/Here (Free Street Theater) Free Street’s multigenerational, multicultural ensemble dives deeper into communities across Chicago to reveal what survival has looked like over time. Opens July 28
