CHICAGO — Collaboraction Theatre Company's play "Crime Scene Chicago" will tour four Chicago neighborhoods this summer and incorporate the feel of each neighborhood into its production.
The cast and crew will interview residents and business owners, and use community members in the actual performances, according to a news release.
The play has changed part of its title from "A Chicago Anthology" to "Let Hope Rise," taking a more upbeat tone than its last iteration, which was meant to "awaken" viewers to the city's violence epidemic. The play ran in February and March at Wicker Park's Flat Iron Building.
"Crime Scene Chicago" coupled nonfiction source material from interviews, articles and online comments with reenactments of three high-profile murders.
Performances take place several Friday and Saturday nights this summer in partnership with the Chicago Park District.
Before Saturday performances, Collaboraction will host a workshop about turning stories into theater, a free barbeque, a dance-battle tournament and other activities.
After performances on both Fridays and Saturdays, the cast and crew will engage audience members in a discussion about the city's violence.
The play will be presented at:
-- LeClaire-Hearts Park, 5120 W. 44th St., on July 12 and 13.
-- Sherman Park, 1301 W. 52nd St., on July 26 and 27.
-- Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St., on Aug. 16 and 17.
-- Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St., on Aug. 23 and 24.
Tickets are free can be reserved by emailing lethoperise@collaboraction.org.
The play is recommended for those ages 14 and up due to the violence depicted and mature content.
