We Could Be
Produced in association with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
Written by Kirsten Baity and Teddy Thomas
Devised by Ua Smith, Sharon Pasia, Brooks Lansana, Dionne Addai, and Alyssa Vera Ramos
Directed by Alyssa Vera Ramos
October 17 – 27, 2024
Tickets
At About Face Theatre we are committed to pay equity and arts worker care. We pay our artists, designers, crew, and staff equitable wages for the amazing work everyone does. We also feel strongly that the amount of money you have should not dictate your access to art and theatre.
With this in mind, we have created a pay-what-you-can ticket system so that more people can join us for every show. We find when everyone pitches in at the level they can afford, it works out better for everyone. Thanks for your support!
$35 Superstar
$25 Royal
$10 Icon
Location
Rivendell Theatre
5779 N Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
About The Show
What if building your identity, seeking out knowledge, and facing conflict felt more like… a video game? Join two siblings as they navigate their curiosities and needs around crushes, gender, and feeling safe and confident in their bodies. Though they’ll meet shame—and their own anxieties—along the way, a solid support system keeps them resourced on their journey … and that includes YOU! Incorporating true stories from Illinoisians of all ages, mindfulness practices for everyday life, and honest conversation, We Could Be is an interactive new play that asks: In a world where societal expectations lay out your path, do you dare to choose your own adventure?
We Could Be has been developed through partnerships and workshops. In the spring of 2024, we traveled to Springfield with Equality IL to collect interviews with people of all ages. In the summer we hosted a staged reading for Lit Play Lab 2024. This summer we facilitated a community activation workshop with Navy Pier’s Chicago Live! festival. This short run will be followed by a tour to schools and community organizations throughout 2025. About Face Theatre began touring interactive theatre productions to schools in 1997 to open up dialogue about sexuality and gender with young people. We Could Be joins this powerful legacy of theatre and activism to build community and support with and for LGBTQ+ youth.
Special thanks to all who made this production possible: Teri Talo, ChihJou, Mia Sostrin, Kennedy Frazier, Amy, Octavio Montes De Oca, Alex George, Ollie Rae, Michael-Ellen Walden, Bree Lauter, Isabeau Pogue, Iris Myers, Hannah Baity, Zed Zeinz, Arnold Aprill, Bonnie Metzgar, Navy Pier, and Equality Illinois.
Artists
Cast
- Performer Sharon Pasia
- Performer Ua Smith
- Understudy Haven A.J. Crawley
Crew
- Stage Manager Theo Wampuszyc
- Production Manager Audrey Kleine
- Costume Designer Uriel Gomez
- Sound Designer Chijioke Williams
- Lighting Designer Chase Barron
- Facilitation Consultant Alyssa Vera Ramos