29/05/2024
Do you think we turn to entertainment to get away? To lose ourselves in fantasy while Rome/America/the World burns? Maybe. Or, maybe we are only able to face our worst fears and shortcomings when they are served up with laughter, sweetness, sarcasm and wit.
At Black Ensemble Theater, the mission is to "eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts." The only theater I know of that states this as its purpose. And I love it. So much so that I am willing to be a damn fool on stage to contribute to this mission. I mean actually sing. If you have ever heard me sing, I apologize. You can testify that this is a tall and quite impossible order. But I’m not the only one steppin WAY outside my comfort zone. You do not want to miss Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle – not particularly known for her warmth and jolly persona – belt out a good chorus. Or, United States Senator Jan SchakowskySchakowsky shaking a tail feather.
Fortunately, there are some women in this annual fun raising event blessed with musical talent. Also, the Black Ensemble members join us to help drown out the off-key, off-beat, just plain old awful of us. And the message of the production is always on point. A call for the collective to save itself – to care and dare to make a difference in this world.
Jackie Taylor is genius. We are just her puppets. Come see us. You won’t be able to un-see this … or ever see it again.
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35140/production/1202239?_ga=2.98252188.2017675976.1716315302-1733878947.1713904833