Theater
- Congo Square Theatre returns to live performances with the Chicago premiere of “What to Send Up When It Goes Down.” Aleshea B. Harris’ interactive work, which unfolds in a series of vignettes, is a response to the gratuitous loss of Black lives and an experience intent on creating space for collective catharsis, cleansing and healing. Co-directed by Ericka Ratcliff and Daniel Bryant. From March 31-April 16 at Gray Chicago, 2044 W. Carroll and April 21-May 1 at Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 South Stony Island. Tickets: $35. Visit congosquaretheatre.org.
- Irish Theatre of Chicago presents Brian Friel’s drama “Molly Sweeney.” The drama tells the story of a woman (Carolyn Kruse), blind since infancy, who has built a rich life for herself that is upended when her husband (Matthew Isler) and a doctor (Robert Kauzlaric) are convinced her eyesight can be restored. Directed by Siiri Scott. From March 31-May 8 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. Tickets: $40. Visit irishtheatre.org.
- TimeLine Theatre’s recent critically acclaimed production of Tyla Abercrumbie’s “Relentless” transfers to the Goodman Theatre stage. The drama, set in 1919 during the Black Victorian era, is the story of two sisters who come home to Philadelphia to settle their mother’s estate. After the discovery of their mother’s diaries, they are confronted with buried truths and a woman they never really knew. Ron OJ Parson directs. From April 1-May 1 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tickets: $15-$55. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
- Ali Viterbi’s “In Every Generation,” the winner of the National Jewish Playwriting Contest, follows a Jewish family as the gather for Passover and struggle with questions of race and religion that never seem to get resolved. Directed by Devon de Mayo. From April 2-May 1 at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $29-$62. Visit victorygardens.org.
