Free Street Theater's Youth Ensemble Presents "Mothering the Movement"

Co-directed by Producing Artistic Director, Katrina Dion, and teaching artists Marilyn Carteno, and Xitlali Celeste, "Mothering the Movement," focuses on the story & legacy of Hazel Johnson, A Chicago Legend, and Mother of Environmental Justice. Made in partnership with the Respair Media Podcast, "Help This Garden Grow," and People for Community Recovery, uncovers the history of the Toxic Donut, and the fight to stop pollution, clean up illegal dumping, and acknowledge the harms. The students have spent a year with the six episode podcast, went on a Toxic Tour of Altgeld Gardens, and interviewed each other, Cheryl Johnson and Adella Bass to create this 65 minute show. The piece uses movement, shadow puppetry, and personal storytelling to dive into how People for Community Recovery came to be, and asks us how we can all be mothers to our communities.

The ensemble features: Brooks Lansana, Nia Nance-Cannon, Leo Gbegan, Ida Xoomsai, Ollie King, Froy Perez, and Jordan Harris with Jade Huang and Angely Flores.

The production team includes: Eleanor Kahn (scenic design), Conchita Avitia (lighting design), Dee Etti-Williams (Sound Design), Rocio "Chio" Cabrera (shadow puppet design), MoonBull Studios (additional puppet design), Sal Yvat (costume design), Quinn Chisenhall (Production Electrician), Gina Montalvo (Stage Management), Zuzel Garcia (Asst. Lighting Design), Andersonville Scenic Studios (Tech Direction & Build).

About Free Street: Founded ini 1969, Free Street is a femme-led arts and culture organization that centers original performance work by Black, Brown, and Immigrant communities; queer artists; youth artists; and work that is committed to the thriving and well-being of people on the South and West Sides of the city. We believe in the theater as a space to uplift joy and justice, especially racial, economic, and environmental justice in Chicago.

Mothering The Movement