Strawdog Theatre Company, Chicago’s newest free theater, returns this spring with the world premiere of On The Greenbelt, playing April 22 – May 28, 2022 at Links Hall, 3111 N. Western Ave. in Chicago. A semi-finalist for the 2021 Blue Ink Playwright Awards, On The Greenbelt is a serio-comic play that jumps between past and the present, written by ensemble member Karissa Murrell Myers* and directed by Jonathan Berry. Tickets for all performances are FREE with reservations opening Friday, March 25 at www.strawdog.org. The press opening is Sunday, April 24 at 7 pm.
On The Greenbelt will feature ensemble member Jamie Vann* withKathryn Acosta, Lynne Baker, Jessica Ervin, Dan Lin and Alexis Ward.
Understudies: Rachel Bachar, Blake Dava, Daniel Vaughn Manasia, Koshie Mills, Laura Resinger and India Whiteside.
On The Greenbelt is an exploration of family, love, memory and the question of “How do we process loss and grief?” Jules saw something terrible in the Idaho hospital the night her mom died, but she’ll never say what it was. Not to her ex, Olivia, and especially not to her brother, Jake, who keeps trying to convince her to go with him to the Greenbelt to spread their mom’s ashes with their father, Alan. But try as she might, Jules can’t shake the memories of the past that haunt her like a gin-soaked hangover, and as the day unravels the past events surrounding her mother’s death come to light.
Comments Strawdog Artistic Director Kamille Dawkins*, “We really enjoy the story behind Karissa’s funny and wildly unpredictable family drama. It dives deep into emotional themes of love and illness with a fresh and inspiring look at family. We are also thrilled to have ensemble member Jamie Vann return to our stage and reunite with director Jonathan Berry.”
The production team includes Yeaji Kim* (scenic design), Gregory Graham (costume design), Trey Brazeal (lighting design), Daniel Etti-Williams (sound design), Patty Meier (props design), Sam Hubbard* (fight director), Tristin Hall (intimacy designer), Aja Singletary (assistant director), Caitlyn Garrity (stage manager) and Michelle Locke (assistant stage manager).
Covid protocols: Masks and proof of vaccination for individuals ages 5 and up, OR a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry is required for entrance. Rapid antigen or at-home tests are not accepted as proof of negative COVID-19 status. For additional details about these policies, acceptable forms of documentation and ongoing health and safety measures visit linkshall.org/covid19.
Tickets: Free. Reservations open Friday, March 25 at www.strawdog.org.