Performing Arts Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago present this self-styled “convergence of Chicago artists,” running March 28-April 26. Boasting Chicago first lady Maggie Daley as its honorary chair, the avant-garde festival features more than 100 multidisciplinary presentations; participants include Plasticene Physical Theater, Theater Oobleck, the Curious Theatre Branch, Blair Thomas, Lucky Pierre, Free Street, David Kodeski, Sandra Binion, and others. All shows take place at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport; the sprawling building will be a hive of activity, with simultaneous performances and installations in its four studio theaters as well as the lounges, hallways, stairwells, and other spaces. The fest also includes workshops and panels with participating artists at other venues as shown below. Prices for individual events range from $5 to $15, though workshops generally cost more and some events and installations are free; see listings for details. For tickets and more information, and to register for workshops, call Performing Arts Chicago at 773-722-5463. Tickets can also be purchased from Ticketmaster by calling 312-902-1500 or logging on to www.ticketmaster.com.
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Goat Island, Performing Arts Chicago’s resident ensemble, conducts a workshop in performance art. The workshop continues March 29-30 (see listings below). Fine Arts Building, Curtiss Hall, 410 S. Michigan, 10th floor, 773-722-5463. 7-9 PM; $60.
Chumpstrap: A Madras Parable
500 Clown Frankenstein
Local Infinities uses 200 pounds of candle wax “as the matrix for an intriguing, smart, wholly accessible meditation on creative identity, power, transformation, and sacrifice….I had to admire the stamina of both performers in slathering themselves with hot wax. But what really lifts this piece above the level of a junior high science experiment is the tremendous sympathy between [Meghan] Strell and [Larry] Underwood, whose puppy-dog desire to please, melded with growing impatience at Strell’s meddling, owes a debt to Charlie Chaplin….Wax and Wayne is breathtaking in its intertwined intelligence and emotional openness,” said Reader critic Kerry Reid when she reviewed this production last summer. Athenaeum Studio 2. 10 PM; $15. Local Infinities member Charlie Levin, billed as “girlCharlie,” will be showing her “interactive wax paintings” in the Athenaeum hallway during the course of the festival. Free.
See listing for 7-11 PM Friday, March 28. Athenaeum stairwell. 7-11 PM; free.
