Results tagged “silkroad”

Random things that we like: those who do what they love, and groups that help to foster that experience. That’s why we are kinda interested when we hear about organizations like the Chicago Cello Society which, since its inception in 1980, has strived to unite Chicago amateur and professional cellists to promote the art of playing the instrument as well as its standing in the musical world. more ›

If you’re on enough theater mailing lists, you’ve already received the Looks Like Chicago brochure, a colorful piece promoting a colorful spectrum of theaters. The collaborative initiative brings together the stories of five continents as told by four theater companies: Congo Square, Remy Bumppo, Silk Road Theatre, and Teatro Vista. Organized by Silk Road, who was inspired by a Time Out Chicago article bemoaning Chicago theater’s lack of diversity, Looks Like Chicago also confronts the... more ›

There will never be a Netflix for theater. Actors generally aren’t at your disposal to mount a show in your few free hours. You’ve got to juggle your other commitments and, gasp, actually get out of the house. Maybe you’ve caught the actors on an off night, theirs or yours. So any attempt at a “best of” list is unfair and incomplete. With that disclaimer out of the way, here’s our very unscientific Top 6... more ›

In case you weren't paying attention earlier, the Chicago Humanities Festival begins tomorrow. Really, we’re not kidding. Judging by the long scroll of sold-out shows in the website’s festival updates section, advance ticket sales have been brisk. And at $5 a pop to see the likes of General Wesley Clark, Garry Trudeau, and Paul Krugman, are you honestly surprised? This year’s theme, Peace and War: Facing Human Conflict, speaks to growing apprehension about America's military... more ›

For this month's preview, we were going to compare our local theater companies to figures on Capitol Hill, contemplating that special, intimate relationship between more experienced hands and up-and-coming ensembles. But well, scandals happen. Instead, we'll stick to the “neighbors” metaphor. This week: Running Away With the Circus: Redmoon Theater Spectacle ’06: Twilight Orchard The Scene: Over 60 actors frolic and flourish in Columbus Park for an audience largely there for the first time and... more ›

Marshall Fields’ loyalists still stewing at Macy’s takeover now have another reason to boycott or reluctantly patronize the newly rebranded stores. Macy’s has taken over sponsorship of Symphony Center’s Day of Music, and the results are rather dubious. more ›

Daniel Barenboim has left Chicago, but he hasn’t stopped thinking big. Conducting his multicultural, multi-faith West-Eastern Divan Orchestra across Europe this week, Barenboim is taking a stand against war in the Middle East and, since 1998, has provided an example of how Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs from across the region can work together. But the commendable project isn’t exactly a musical utopia. The tours have been outside the Middle East and certain musicians won’t develop friendships across the divide, afraid of how that will look back home. Prior to this week’s European tour, Barenboim drafted a statement condemning the violence in Israel and Lebanon. After intense debate, the ensemble accepted it without amendment and the orchestra played to rave reviews. more ›

The culture-hungry masses snapped up a few thousand advanced passes to the Department of Cultural Affairs’ free production of The Magic Flute, Mozart’s playful and popular opera, within weeks. The DCA has presented free summer opera for eight years but this one feels special. Part of the Silk Road Chicago celebration, this production incorporates Balinese theater and Kutiyattam, the Sanskrit Theater of India and that country’s oldest theater tradition, with colorful costumes reflecting both cultures.... more ›

What do you get when one of the world’s most celebrated cellists and one of the world’s most entertaining city governments join forces? Answer: a year-long celebration driven by a truly remarkable cultural exchange. Named for a network of routes from Rome to Japan traversed by explorers for over a millennium, Silk Road Chicago is our hometown showcase of art, music, theater, dance, and delectable dishes from half a world away. As anxiety persists over... more ›

The Silk Road Theatre Project is truly blessed. Dedicated to showcasing Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Asian playwrights chronicling the people of the Silk Road and their descendents, the company took residence in the First United Methodist Church (a.k.a. The Chicago Temple) three years ago. Despite religious differences, church and company leadership forged a mutual respect born out of shared goals. Both groups value storytelling as a powerful tool to foster harmony in a diverse society.... more ›