HystericalFest: Women+ Act Out (IN PERSON PERFORMANCE AT PIVEN THEATRE)
About this Event
-LIVE performances at Piven Theatre Workshop (first floor), 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL (ADA-compliant) running on:
- Friday, August 28 at 7 pm (featuring ASL)
- Saturday, August 29 at 2 pm (masking encouraged for audience)
- Saturday, August 29 at 7 pm (features both Captioning and REQUIRED masking of audience and performers (in see-through masks). KN95 and N95 masks provided for 7 pm show.
- Sunday, August 30 at 2 pm (features both Captioning and Audio Description)
Our LINE-UP of short plays: (the same at each of the four performances)
“1900s Women Bonding” by Catherine Weingarten, directed by Carrie Lee Patterson
With Blaire Prince and Allison Fradkin
In this short comedy inspired by “The Yellow Wallpaper,” two housewives in the 1900s bond over having hysteria and wonder if they have any control over their fates.
“Heard Mentality” by Allison Fradkin, directed by Alicia Hall
With Allison Fradkin, Nat Kier, and Kristin Schmitz
This play takes a universal experience, in this case a first date, and allows the audience to experience it through the eyes (and ears) of someone who is hearing-impaired, showing how pre-date jitters and insecurities about making a good first impression, which everyone relates to, can be amplified if a person has a disability.
“Proud of My Name” by Bruce Karp, directed by Destiny Whitaker (remote)
With Yiidum Charles-Wiwa (remote)
With an unusual name, Beneatha is already subjected to rude comments by her contemporaries. During a police incident, because a woman of color is involved, she is treated badly, roughed up, and ultimately dismissed, with no apology once the truth of her disability is made known. A kind older black man comes to her rescue and helps her feel seen.
“My Friend Endo” by Emily Golden, directed by Kayla White
With Sarah Silva-James and Aly Mackenzie
This is the story of a woman trying to establish care with a doctor. She’s been assured many times that her stomach pain is nothing to worry about -- just an ordinary part of being a woman. But...finally...this doctor notices something that might explain her pain.
Excerpts from The Body Play by Madison Wetzell, directed by Iris Sowlat
With Lili Daskais, Morgan Braithwaite, and Kathryn Henzler (remote)
Something is very wrong with Amy’s Body. One protagonist is played by two actors: a detached, neurotic Mind and her chaotic, screaming Body. A meditation on the absurdity of chronic illness and being alive. We include two scenes excerpted from Madison’s full-length play, The Body Play, which had its world premiere last year at the Cleveland Public Theatre.
“The Side Effect” by Paula Kamen, directed by Fay Florence-Steddum
With Lili Daskais and Nat Kier
An absurd look at the desperation and isolation of invisible illness. A woman realizes her boyfriend, whom she was just about to dump, can relieve her Crohn’s symptoms with pills made from his unusually rich and premium-grade poop. All is well until she realizes one unfortunate -- and ridiculous -- side effect.
“Task Paralysis” by Pearlie Blue Leaf, directed by Melody DeRogatis
With Morgan Braithwaite and Kristin Schmitz
Sadie has always struggled with executive dysfunction, chalking it up to her just not trying hard enough, until an unexpected visitor appears and enlightens her.
“A Blind Lesbian Walks Into a Bar” by Iris Sowlat, directed by Angeli Primlani
With Iris Sowlat
Iris Sowlat’s true story about the intersection of her visual impairment (achromatopsia) and being a lesbian.
“Live a Little” by Allie Costa, directed by Myesha-Tiara McGarner
With Aly Mackenzie and Blaire Prince
In this heartfelt examination of the way we judge others and ourselves, a hospital administrator trying to hide her chronic illness has an unexpected conversation with a bubbly young nurse that leaves a lasting impression on them both.
Producers are Violet Surprise Theatre, Terri Lynne Hudson and Paula Kamen/Hysterical Productions
For questions, email [email protected] or call or text 773-203-3158
The practical stuff:
The theater is located just west of the Noyes Street el stop on the Purple Line. Just east of Ridge Avenue
Free and metered street parking. Small lot at Noyes building with metered parking.
Ramp entrance on west side of building near Noyes Street. Second ramp entrance with chair lift on northeast side of building, near Actor's Studio & Fleetwood Jordain space.
Our philosophy....
RADICAL ACCESSIBILITY AS A PRIORITY.
- For the AUDIENCE, live and virtual: Most of the live performances offer different accessibility features. We offer asynchronous streaming across all time zones, to watch the show from home on your schedule, which we know can be unpredictable for people with chronic illness.
- For ARTISTS: HystericalFest offers unique opportunities to actors, directors, and playwrights with invisible disabilities, all of whom are paid (not a lot) to encourage participation. That includes immunocompromised actors and directors working from home to pre=record three monologues for the show.
FEMINIST FOCUS: For centuries, a way to diagnose a woman (or person of a historically marginalized gender) for hysteria is if they were dramatic and seeking attention about their otherwise invisible disability. With HystericalFest, we are turning the tables, embracing the forbidden, literally "acting out." Comedy reflects the absurdity of our experiences, and theater provides a way to literally relieve isolation, build community, and confront stigma.
Supported by a generous grant from the Evanston Arts Council
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 12.51 to USD 108.55
