Displaying items by tag: Sammy Publes

Lore, a noun. knowledge and information related to a particular subject, especially when it is not written down, the stories and traditions of a particular group of people

The world premiere of Chicago Lore(s), written by Sammy Publes and produced by Urban Theater Company (UTC), is a compelling and emotional journey through the life of José "Cha Cha" Jimenez, co-founder of the Young Lords Organization. True to UTC’s mission of preserving the Puerto Rican and Humboldt Park community voice, the production is a powerful tribute to Chicago’s civil rights history and the often-overlooked contributions of Puerto Rican activists. Directed by Miranda Gonzalez, this play not only recounts history but invites the audience to reconnect with it on a personal and communal level.

Ivan Vega delivers a captivating performance as the aging revolutionary Cha Cha, who is visited by voices from his past while reflecting on his transformative journey from a troubled youth in 1960s Chicago to a political force that reshaped the city’s approach to social justice. Vega brings a profound sense of gravitas and vulnerability to the role, while Stanley King’s portrayal of Cha Cha’s best friend, Billy “Che” Brooks, serves as an essential counterbalance—grounding Cha Cha’s reflections with heartfelt camaraderie and insight.

The play is a dynamic fusion of personal storytelling and political history. It’s through Cha Cha’s eyes that the audience is transported to key moments in Chicago’s history, including the Young Lords’ radical evolution from a gang to a political organization that fought for civil rights and social justice. The ensemble cast, which includes Kevin Cruz, David Gordon Johnson, Alexis Janae, Abigail Pinon, Claudia Quesada, and Joshua David Thomas, contributes to the narrative as they take on various roles, seamlessly guiding both Cha Cha and the audience through forgotten chapters of Chicago’s activist history.

The scenic design by Harrison Ornelas beautifully captures the essence of memory and history, with layers that feel both grounded and ethereal. The set, with its delicate balance of realism and abstraction, evokes the "gossamer dreams" of Cha Cha's past—fragile yet vividly present, the design perfectly mirrors the play’s exploration of history, where memories hang like whispers, elusive but ever-present. Sarah Albrecht’s quick-change costumes further support the fluidity of the time shifts and transitions between past and present. The attention to detail in the design elevates the production, creating an environment where the personal and historical can merge effortlessly.

The heart of Chicago Lore(s) lies in its decolonized approach to theater and storytelling, a hallmark of Urban Theater Company. It’s not just a recounting of the past but an active reclamation of history that centers the voices of people of color. Some of the characters in Chicago Lore(s) are real, while others are amalgamations of individuals who played pivotal roles in Cha Cha life serving as a powerful reminder of the vital impact these activists had on Chicago and beyond.

Miranda Gonzalez’s direction is nuanced and thoughtful, giving space for each character’s voice to be heard while maintaining a cohesive, emotionally charged narrative. The play excels at balancing the personal with the political, ensuring that the audience is as connected to the intimate moments between Cha Cha and his grandmother as they are to the larger social movements at play.

Chicago Lore(s) is an essential piece of storytelling that shines a light on Puerto Rican activism in Chicago, giving voice to a community that helped shape the city’s political landscape. The production is not only an educational experience but a celebration of cultural pride and resilience. Urban Theater Company continues to elevate the work of diverse Chicago creatives through this powerful and necessary world premiere.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

When: Through Oct. 27

Where: Urban Theatre Company, 2628 W. Division Street

Tickets: $37

Info:urbantheaterchicago.org (312)239-8783