Chicago artists to dance for peace

Collaboraction, Chicago’s social issue-driven contemporary theater, has partnered with Goodman Theatre to present its second annual PEACEBOOK Festival this Saturday, August 26. This marathon of premieres will feature 21 original dance, music and theater performances in the Goodman’s 350-seat Owen Theatre.

“Peace, or the lack of peace due to 200 years of segregation, is the most critical issue in Chicago right now,” said Collaboraction Artistic Director and PEACEBOOK Founder Anthony Moseley. “We can’t wait to see talented emerging and established artists from Chicago’s many neighborhoods on stage at the Goodman Theatre. I applaud the Goodman for their commitment to this work.”

Collaboraction created PEACEBOOK as a way to engage new artists, audiences and communities in creating and sharing art that envisions a more peaceful Chicago. Last year’s PEACEBOOK line-up included original works by GQ of the Q Brothers, Sir Taylor, Steven Sapp of Universes, Yuri Lane and the Chicago Beatbox LTD, Englewood’s Step-Alive dance team and many more.

Following its marathon at the Goodman this year, the festival’s 21 different acts will be separated into three seven-work compilations that will tour Chicago Park District venues on the south, west and north sides in the fall.

Panel discussions with diverse peace leaders, workshops, dance battle tournaments and free community meals, all aimed at inciting knowledge, dialogue and action around peace in Chicago, will be part of every neighborhood performance.

For PEACEBOOK updates, visit www.collaboraction.org/peacebook2017.

Photo: Collaboraction’s first PEACEBOOK Festival in 2016 featured 21 peace-focused works including the dance Skip to the End by Kacie Smith. Photo by Joel Maisonet.