Nearly two dozen teen actors with Down syndrome will take the Chicago Shakespeare Theater stage for the first time May 28 in a very special performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, a comedy about love and identity.
If you go
A.B.L.E. Twelfth Night
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago
A.B.L.E. (Artists Breaking Limits& Expectations) actors, ages 13-22, have been working with teaching artists to bring the one-hour show to the Navy Pier stage using Shakespeare’s original verse and songs. The performance, part of Chicago Shakespeare’s year-long Shakespeare 400 celebration honoring the Bard, is bringing together the teens’ talents and enthusiasm with all the knowledge Chicago Shakespeare can offer.
“We’re excited to give them our resources and experience,” says spokesperson Hannah Kennedy.
General admission tickets are still available. At the performance, families can expect an inclusive, relaxed environment.
Learn more about A.B.L.E. and upcoming fall classes at www.ableensemble.com.
Twelfth Night also is a Chicago summer staple; Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks puts on a free 75-minute abridged production of it in various Chicago parks. This summer’s schedule has not yet been announced, but watch chicagoshakes.com for details.