This ambitious showcase of experimental theater, performance, and music from Chicago’s fringe began as part of the Bucktown Arts Fest. Now it’s produced by the Curious Theatre Branch; in addition to the Curious folks, participating artists include Theater Oobleck, Antonio Sacre, Jennifer Biddle LaFleur, Michael Meyers, Frank Melcori, Nomenil, Barrie Cole, TeenStreet, Blair Thomas, and many other ensembles and soloists. Taking its name from surrealist painter Salvador Dali’s use of the term “rhinoceric” (it means real big), the 12th annual Rhinofest runs through October 7. The following lists this week’s shows. Most performances take place at the Lunar Cabaret, 2827 N. Lincoln; the Free Street space at Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk; and Link’s Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield. Additional venues employed for special events are listed below. Admission is $10 or “pay what you can”; for information and reservations, call 773-327-6666.
Chicago’s experimental, directorless Theater Oobleck presents a double bill. The first depicts a panel discussion on sound between the deaf bell ringer of Notre Dame cathedral, Quasimodo, and the hearing-impaired composer Beethoven. “[The] piece begins as a postmodern parody of academic conferences and ends as a moving meditation on collaboration and the creative process,” says Reader critic Jack Helbig. The second is a puppet play, created by playwright Mickle Maher and puppet designer Shoshanna Utchenik, about a small theater company whose terrible show turns into a surprise hit. Lunar Cabaret, 7 PM.
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Si la gente quieren comer carne, que se la dan carne a comer
Like Our Parents Smoking Cornsilk
Jimmy’s in the Radio
Bantam Lightweight
