A.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is thrilled to return to Chicago Shakespeare Theater and their classical roots with an adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, updated for our social-media obsessed world.
The new adaptation by A.B.L.E. Teaching Artist Emma MacLean moves the action from ancient Greece to a modern-day high school. The themes of connection and disconnection in Shakespeare’s tale are ramped up as characters miss texts and drop calls while wandering deeper into the woods. The multimedia production weaves Shakespeare’s words with original scenes, songs, dances, and even GIFs devised by the cast. The performances, June 10–11, 2023, in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare will mark the two companies’ 6th collaboration, most recently having co-produced RECONNECT this past fall.
Over the course of a 10-week rehearsal process, A.B.L.E.’s ensembles have collaborated to put their unique spin on this tale. Currently, 34 actors with varying disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism take part in the ensembles. “We wanted to leave room for people to express themselves and who they are,” says adapter Emma MacLean. “So if an actor wants to craft a song instead of a monologue, or feels stronger to share a moment through movement rather than text, there is space for them to make this story their own.” Each performance will feature two completely different casts, with actors playing multiple roles inside the performance, giving them a chance to show different strengths and different sides of their personality. MacLean adds, “You could come to both performances and really see two completely different shows.”
As the rest of the world pushes to get “back to normal,” people with intellectual disabilities continue to face an increased risk of severe complications from COVID-19. A.B.L.E. continues to offer a virtual ensemble fo those who need to participate virtually due to health concerns, or who prefer virtual participation because of sensory processing needs or other personal reasons. A.B.L.E.’s virtual ensemble will serve as narrators through the tale; they will appear onscreen throughout the production as a gaggle of gossiping fairies commenting on all the mayhem onstage via an animated group chat. VFX designer Brock Alter collaborated with A.B.L.E. throughout the pandemic on a range of digital projects including Romeo and Juliet Remix and The Forms of Things Unknown, and will seamlessly integrate the Zoom ensemble into live performance.
A.B.L.E.’s Virtual Ensemble will narrate the story in multimedia segments that will be woven throughout the live performances.
Before each performance, the public is invited to participate in a 45 minute interactive workshop with A.B.L.E.'s team of Creative Associates and Teaching Artists. A.B.L.E. employs 5 longtime ensemble members with Down syndrome to support their workshops and outreach programs. A.B.L.E.’s Creative Associates earn a competitive wage while working within an environment that is supportive, inclusive and allows them to build transferable job skills. This is a unique opportunity for audiences to personally connect with A.B.L.E.’s work. Audiences can experience some of the games and activities A.B.L.E. used to bring their ideas to the stage, get a touch tour of key costume pieces and props, and try A.B.L.E.'s signature "dropping in" method. This exclusive opportunity is only available to 20 ticket holders each day; spaces can be reserved when purchasing tickets.
A.B.L.E.’s Creative Associates will lead interactive pre-show workshops for members of the public to experience some of A.B.L.E.’s favorite games and activities. (Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux)
Event Details:
WHEN:
Saturday June 10th at 7pm (pre-show workshop at 5:30pm)
Sunday June 11th at 2pm (pre-show workshop at 12:30pm)
WHERE:
Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 East Grand Avenue
Chicago IL 60611
Tickets:
All tickets are general admission, and pay-what-you-can starting at $15
Online: ableensemble.com/events or www.chicagoshakes.com/ablemidsummer
Phone: 312.595.5600
In person: at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater box office
Accessibility:
All ABLE' performances are relaxed and sensory friendly
Both performances will be open captioned
Both performances will be dual ASL interpreted
There will be a pre-show touch tour
To ensure A.B.L.E.’s immunocompromised performers and community members feel safe and welcome, all audience members must remain masked for the duration of their time in the theater complex.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is produced in partnership with Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
More about A.B.L.E.:
A.B.L.E. - Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations - is celebrating their 7th anniversary of creating theatre and film projects for, with, and by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A.B.L.E. engages actors ages 13 and up through performance ensembles, specialized workshops, and outreach programming. Whether in person or online, all A.B.L.E. programs strive to foster agency, and nurture lifelong skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity. A.B.L.E.'s ensembles have produced 26 projects for the stage and screen, ranging from adaptations of theatrical classics by Shakespeare, Dickens, and Gilbert & Sullivan, to original pieces. A.B.L.E.’s feature films have been recognized by several local and international festivals. A.B.L.E. Teaching Artists and Creative Associates also share our methodology in workshops, residencies, and professional development training for schools, community centers, and other organizations. By placing people with disabilities in the spotlight, A.B.L.E.’s work strives to shift societal preconceptions, and build more inclusive, empathetic communities. For more information about A.B.L.E., please visit www.ableensemble.com and find them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
More about producing partner, Chicago Shakespeare Theater:
Regional Tony Award-recipient Chicago Shakespeare Theater produces a bold and innovative year-round season—plays, musicals, world premieres, family productions, and theatrical presentations from around the globe—alongside nationally recognized education programming serving tens of thousands of students, teachers, and lifelong learners each year. Founded in 1986, the Theater’s onstage work has expanded to as many as twenty productions and 650 performances annually. Chicago Shakespeare is dedicated to welcoming the next generation of theatergoers; one in four of its audience members is under the age of eighteen. As a nonprofit organization, the Theater works to embrace diversity, prioritize inclusion, provide equitable opportunities, and offer an accessible experience for all. On the Theater’s three stages at its home on Navy Pier, in classrooms and neighborhoods across the city, and in venues around the world, Chicago Shakespeare is a multifaceted cultural hub—inviting audiences, artists, and community members to share powerful stories that connect and inspire. www.chicagoshakes.com
