plays

Diary of An Erotic Life

by Olivia Lilley

Devised by The Ensemble

6 W / 1 M

Lulu, a young and ambitious South American woman, graduates from DePaul, debt free thanks to her investor, Gold Coast native, Caroline. Lulu will not feel the vulnerability of her immigration status as long as she does not veer from “their plan”. When romance complicates their arrangement in unexpected ways, so does race, class, and power. Will Lulu ever find her American dream or will her spirit be crushed by her capitalism-entrenched community? Inspired by "Earth's Spirit" and "Pandora's Box" by Frank Wedekind.

The Ensemble:
Valeria Rosero
Kate Black Spence
Kenya Ann Hall
Caitlin Shantz
Chelsea Turner
Dylan Fahoome
Mary Iris Loncto
Tanuja Jagernauth
Ada Alozie

True Midwest

by Olivia Lilley

Spanish Translations by Valeria Rosero

5 W

In the Fall of 2019, Celine, a DIY promoter/producer, Faye, an Indie film producer, Alessia, a grant writer/non profit worker, and Meredith, a new MBA student at the University of Chicago, make a pact to have breakfast for late night dinner every Wednesday at The Golden Nugget. The goal is to not lose touch in their ever-intensifying hustler lives. As October and November 2019 cosmically fuck with them all, each has found themselves at their own career-based reckoning. As they fight to take care of themselves and each other, their loyalties and sense of self are put to the test. True Midwest is the story of four female entrepreneurs who are ready for the next level: trying to escape the gig economy and self-actualize to the top of their ambitions. But can they do it all and still love each other?

Mary Shelley Sees The Future

by Olivia Lilley

7 W / 3 M

In July 1822, Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, learns that her husband, Percy Shelley has drowned at sea. In an effort to talk to his ghost, she makes a connection across space and time with Mya, 24 year old recent MFA grad, comatose with ennui and LSD in July 2016. In the heat of the moment, a wish is made to take a walk in each other's lives. When they open their eyes, they discover they've switched bodies and eras. In this Freaky Fridayesque fantasy, Mary Shelley and Mya wander brand new worlds in search of their power, their identities, and where to go from here.

The Winter & The Whiskey

by Olivia Lilley

4 W / 1 M

Rachel Adela has ruined her life in Chicago, so she does what all lost and wandering Chicagoans do: move to New Orleans. Little does she know, but her Airbnb is on every ghost tour route: the former home of The Carter Brothers, vampires who ran loose in the French Quarter in the 30's. In her first 24 hours, not only does she find herself living in a haunted house, but she's found the haunted bar down the street where a tormented rising movie star, Angelo, is drinking away his troubles. As this new relationship grows, the entities of New Orleans have ideas of their own. "The Winter & The Whiskey" is a thriller and a spiritual awakening, a journey towards self love when you are not easily definable. An American mixed kid odyssey.

Inspired by "Summer & Smoke" by Tennessee Williams.

The Gallery Cabaret

by Olivia Lilley

2 W / 4 M

When Nazneen is ghosted by her business partner at lease signing for the bar of her dreams, Nazneen has to go back to work as a bartender at The Gallery Cabaret, a dive bar/ venue. Meanwhile, at Gallery, there's a new young gun in town, New Orleans singer/songwriter, Carlos, who's dubious about the inclusivity of their legendary Sunday open mic night. The owner, JP, sees potential in Carlos' notions and gives him a chance to program a new Thursday open mic, but only if Nazneen co-runs the show. Still nursing her failed dreams, Nazneen reluctantly agrees. When "Midwestern Hospitality" is a big hit, new windows of opportunity open for the both of them. As Nazneen grapples with these possibilities, and Carlos' role in them, the community struggles with all of these sudden changes. The Gallery Cabaret is a play about succession, the American dream, and building a future inter-generationally.