“blk ark: the impossible manifestation” by cat mahari, part of the “Chicago Performs” festival at the MCA/Photo: Lívia Sá. Courtesy of Culture Hub

1
/v. anthology/
(Studebaker Theater)
The superb Para.Mar Dance Theatre presents an evening of short works in a traditional theater setting—a first for the young, virtuosic company.
September 20 & 21

2
Chicago Performs
(MCA)
The now-annual festival features three multidisciplinary performances: “Some Viscera” by Lykanthea; “Broken Aquarium” by Every House Has a Door and Essi Kausalainen; and cat mahari’s “blk ark: the impossible manifestation.” 
September 26-29

3
Harvest Chicago Contemporary Festival
(Ruth Page Center for the Arts)
Companies from Chicago and across the United States perform short works in this weekend festival. Local names include Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Giordano II, Lucid Banter Project, The Seldoms and South Chicago Dance Theatre.
September 27-28

4
Nasty, Brutish & Short: A Puppet Cabaret
(Links Hall)
The late-night puppet slam at Links is a regular space for Chicago puppeteers to try out new material from touching to funny to experimental to out-and-out bizarre.
September 9

5
Art on The Mart
(The Mart)
Brendan Fernandes headlines the autumn season of the world’s biggest video installation, with a piece imagining new, decolonized architecture on the facade of The Mart, accompanied by house music to inspire dance parties along the river.
September 12-November 20