Theatre Y is a community of humans fully committed to reimagining the practice of theater as a tool of liberation, a revolutionary ritual, and a path to understanding our shared humanity. To that end, since 2018, Co-Founding Artistic Director Melissa Lorraine – together with a team of filmmakers, actors, activists from DePaul and PNAP, and 25 men sentenced to die in prison – have been engaged in movement therapy for trauma rehabilitation while co-creating original works of art.
Hear Melissa share more about her “Y”.
Gathering together every week for six years now (with a hiatus during COVID) has deeply touched and transformed all of us fortunate enough to be in community with the men on the inside. In fact, this unique experience has broken our hearts open to the power of proximity, story, healing in relationship, restorative practices like check-ins, and human transformation in the most unlikely of places.
We would love for you to meet the 25 amazing human beings who have become our beloved brothers, but these men are currently serving life sentences without any possibility of parole. (Learn more about parole in Illinois.) Perhaps you’ve seen their pictures on the Inside Ensemble wall at the theater or read about the Incarcerated Mass on our website. Tragically, when Stateville was closed by court order this September, our friends were scattered and sent to prisons all over Illinois, shattering our community.
We are left with stories, footage, and a burden to introduce our 25 Shaman to the outside world; a world that has buried and forgotten so many of its brightest treasures.
FACETS Cinema has graciously agreed to screen the world premiere of our first film NOT TO BE [TRAILER] on Tuesday, February 11th from 7pm-9pm. Please join us @ 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 for an evening chock full of art and activism. Meet people like Jimmy Soto & Brian Beals, two amazing humans who somehow served decades in prison – wrongfully convicted.
Prior to this event, we are hosting two gatherings for our members to meet and get a taste of what’s in store. Mark your calendar, join us and bring friends:
January 12th, 2025 - In person gathering @ Theatre Y (2-4pm) (3611 W. Cermak)
RSVP
January 21st, 2025 - Zoom gathering (7-9pm)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 0371 2554
Passcode: 703218
If you are not yet a member, you can become one today and support free, public theater in our community (the average membership is $20/mo, but as little as $5/month guarantees you a seat to each Theatre Y performance and opens our doors to those who can’t afford a ticket)!