Say Gay Plays
Newly Commissioned 10-minute plays by Chicago-based writers Hannah li-Epstein, Lani Montreal, Esho Rasho, and Emilio Williams
Featuring Plays by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen and Brian Quirk
Curated and produced by About Face Theatre and Silk Road Cultural Center
Co-Sponsored by NEIU College of Arts and Sciences and Presented at NEIU Carruthers Center
September 20, 2025
2:00pm staged reading followed by a reception
About The Show
About Face and Silk Road Cultural Center are thrilled to announce four Chicago-based playwrights who received commissions to develop short plays for the Say Gay Plays collection. Hannah Li Epstein (AFT) Emilio Williams (AFT), Esho Rasho (Silk Road), and Lani Montreal (Silk Road).
“In an era of state censorship, word policing, and criminalized identities, Say Gay Plays is a perfect antidote. A bold, unapologetic short plays initiative developed by NYC's Voyage Theater that champions Queer joy, collective resilience, and personal triumph. It is an honor and privilege to partner with About Face Theatre and Northeastern Illinois University to bring to life stories that offer hope and healing in turbulent times. Florida's Governor and state legislature be damned. We at Silk Road Cultural Center most definitely say gay!”
-Jamil Khoury, Silk Road Cultural Center's Founding Executive Artistic Director
Say Gay Plays is an extension of an initiative of New York City's Voyage Theater Company and part of Goodman Theatre’s 100 Free Acts of Theater sponsored by DCASE.
About 100 Free Acts of Theater
An epic citywide year-long event—100 Free Acts of Theater—activates all 50 wards of Chicago.
Designed as a celebration of the artistic fabric of Chicago, The Goodman is partnering with About Face Theatre and organizations across the city during its Centennial Season to amplify existing programming and collaborate on new efforts.
Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/100FreeActs
100 Free Acts of Theater Sponsors
Tickets
This program has passed.
Location
Carruthers Center @
Northeastern Illinois University
700 E Oakwood Blvd
Chicago, IL 60653
Media
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