The new Silk Road Theatre Project is committed to showcasing playwrights of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean backgrounds, whose works address themes relevant to the peoples of the Silk Road and their Diaspora communities. Maintaining that theatre should entertain as well as educate and promote critical thinking, the Silk Road Theatre Project is committed to theatre that elevates human consciousness, expands representation, and challenges prevailing stereotypes.
Silk Road Theatre Project’s inaugural production is the world premier of Jamil Khoury’s, Precious Stones. Selected by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs to kick off the 2003 theatre season at the Studio Theatre of the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph St.), Precious Stones runs Jan. 16-March 2 (opening night Jan. 25). Precious Stones boldly examines the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the ‘safe’ yet turbulent terrain of American Diaspora. Set in Chicago in 1989, the story involves two women, one Jewish, the other Palestinian, who join forces to organize an Arab-Jewish dialogue group, only to find themselves falling in love. As they each cross ‘enemy lines,’ they stumble upon the disputed territories of sexuality and class.
Tickets are $15 general admission, $12.50 for students and seniors with valid ID. For tickets visit Ticket Web at www.ticketweb.com or call toll free at 866-468-3401. For information and group sales visit www.srtp.org or call (312) 236-6881.
A Sunday of Theatre, Discussion and Dinner for Lesbian, Bi, Trans and Queer Women is Jan. 26 for a matinee performance, 10, 1:40 p.m., followed by a post-show discussion with the playwright, director and actors. See www.srtp.org.