AFT News

You have another chance to catch About Face Youth Theatre’s original play, Checking Boxes! We are thrilled to announce that our most recent AFYT show is being presented again as one of Chicago Artists Month’s featured events.

Visit the Chicago Artists Month website to learn more about this event and read statement from our Director of Education, Ali Hoefnagel – one of CAM’s featured artists!

In this original play devised by the About Face Youth Theatre, characters explore the often overlooked intersection between immigration and the LGBTQIA experience. Through storytelling, spoken word and movement, these talented young artists share experiences of coming out, growing up and pursuing the American Dream. Inspired by the burgeoning “Undocuqueer” movement in the U.S., Checking Boxes is based on the true experiences of the ensemble members and other members of the LGBTQIA community.

CRITICS LOVE CHECKING BOXES!

“Talk about timeliness. With the issue of unaccompanied children from Central America entering the United States heating up, About Face Theatre Youth Ensemble’s “Checking Boxes,”… brings a sympathetic perspective to the stories behind the incendiary photos and headlines.”

“The script, developed by Shannon Matesky and the 14-member ensemble and directed by Ali Hoefnagel, fairly hums with a mix of desperation, defiance and idealism. ”

“When “Checking Boxes” keeps the focus on the intersection between … personal details and the larger national picture for those who currently “have to hide two parts of myself,” it provides its performers a passionate platform for expression.”
– Kerry Reid, Chicago Tribune

Matesky and the AFYT through this piece urge us to see we have more power than we think to help the lives of others living in the margins. This piece reminds us that we have work to do, because from the looks of things, we aren’t there yet.
– Loy Webb, New City Chicago (read the full review)