Art Imitates Life at Free Street Theater
Chicago play focuses on foreclosures and the economic crisis
Monday, Mar 23, 2009 | Updated 10:53 AM CST
WMAQ
In Sub-Prime Youth, a group of first generation Mexican-American youth finds protection from the collapsing American Dream by inventing a cynical reality.
With roots in the spirit of social questioning that followed the assassination of Dr. King, Free Street has been creating theater with Chicago's low-income communities since 1969.
The diverse ensembles, in a city that is still one of the most segregated in America, continue to ask "What's next?" for community, individual and creative development.
Free Street Theater kicks-off its 40th anniversary with a new production created by the professional and teen artists in its ensemble.
Each year, the ensemble creates non-autobiographical performances, developed with writing, that springs from creative explorations by the teen artists. Acting development and script facilitation are directed by Artistic Director Ron Bieganski.
Sub-Prime Youth is a creative reaction to the current economic crisis, weaving the brutal realism of a Mexican-American family facing foreclosure with the emotional surreal music of the Muses of Destruction.
In Sub-Prime Youth, a group of first generation Mexican-American youth finds protection from the collapsing American Dream by inventing a cynical reality. The psychological hit from the failure of all their expectations is tremendous.
Free Street Theater, located at 1419 W. Blackhawk Ave., is free if a patron’s home is in foreclosure. Otherwise, a $15 general admission and $5 students is applied.
Free Street Theater
1419 W. Blackhawk Avenue, 3rd Floor at Pulaski Park.
For Reservations: 773-772-7248
Posted Friday, Jul 17, 2009 - 2:50 PM CST
