PILSEN — Redmoon Theater will host 10 free workshops at public parks on the city’s South and West sides.
Part of a partnership with the Chicago Park District, the workshops focus on public performance using drumming and spoken word poetry to connect with community members.
Redmoon — a Chicago theater fixture for some 20 years — moved into the Pilsen neighborhood in March, but performs its spectacle pieces around the city.
The summer series kicked off Friday at Sherman Park (1301 W. 52nd St.). Redmoon spokeswoman Jennifer Talbot said more than 250 people showed up for the event.
“This is a way to get opportunities to communities that aren’t getting these same opportunities. These are vehicles giving young audience members a voice,” she said.
After completing the workshops, community members will receive a free meal and will also be invited to parade around the park. In keeping with traditional Redmoon spectacle style, the “Sonic Boom,” a 16-foot-tall mobile speaker system will broadcast the poetry and drumming.
Workshop collaborators include Young Chicago Authors — sponsors of Chicago’s “Louder Than a Bomb” youth poetry slam — and The Chicago Bucket Boys, a six-person teen drum troupe, among others.
All ages are welcome to join the workshops. To sign up, contact your local park or register on Redmoon’s website.
See list of participating parks and dates below:
Calumet Park, July 19, 5-9 p.m., 9801 S. Avenue G., South Chicago Community
Columbus Park, July 27, 5-9 p.m., 500 S. Central Ave., Austin Community
Meyering Park, Aug. 2, 5-9 p.m., 7140 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Park Manor Community
Midway Plaisance, Aug. 8, 8:30-10 p.m., 1130 Midway Plaisance, Hyde Park Community
Dvorak Park, Aug. 10, 1-5 p.m., 1119 W. Cullerton St., Pilsen Community
Amundsen Park, Aug. 17, 5-9 p.m., 6200 W. Bloomingdale, Galewood Community
Fuller Park, Aug. 24, 5-9 p.m., 331 W. 45th St., Fuller Park Community
Sherwood Park, Aug. 30, 5-9 p.m., 5701 S. Shields, Englewood Community
Humboldt Park, Sept. 7, 4:30-8:30 p.m., 1440 N. Humboldt Dr., Humboldt Park Community
