UPTOWN — The Black Ensemble Theater and Steppenwolf Theatre Company will host a one-night-only exploration of racism Monday.
The companies production "Chicago's Theater Community Coming Together To Fight the Ism's 'Highlighting Racism'" will begin at 6 p.m. at the Black Ensemble Theater's Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark St.
"This is a necessary evening of education, understanding and coming together," said Jackie Taylor, founder of Black Ensemble Theater. "We must understand the systemic process of racism and oppression. What is it, and how can we remove it from our community? This is a way to bring us together so that we can begin the healing process that is so necessary in a racist and oppressive society."
The event was motivated by a recent discussion within the Chicago theater community and will allow all participants to come together to communicate "positively and productively." It "will focus on a positive experience to explore racism and other oppressions," according to the Black Ensemble Theater's website.
It includes performances and presentations from Teatro Vista, About Face Theatre, Her Story Theatre and Firebrand Theatre.
Featured speakers will be Tyronne Stoudemire, Hyatt Corp.'s vice president of global diversity and inclusion, and Angelique Powers, president of the Field Foundation, according to the theater's website.
The event is free and open to the public, but tickets must be reserved. To RSVP, click here.
