Newly Commissioned 10-minute plays by Chicago based writers Hannah li-Epstein, Lani Montreal, Esho Rasho, and Emilio Williams

Curated and produced by About Face Theatre and Silk Road Cultural Center

Presented at Northeastern Illinois University’s historic Carruthers Center.

Say Gay Plays is an extension of an initiative of New York City’s Voyage Theater Company and part of Goodman Theatre’s Free Acts of Theatre sponsored by DCASE.

Say Gay Plays will be presented in one public performance this fall – Saturday, September 20, 2PM as a staged reading followed by a reception. The performance will take place in the Northeastern Illinois University’s Carruthers Center, 700 E Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, IL 60653

Tickets are free, reservations are strongly encouraged, seating is limited.

About Face and Silk Road are thrilled to announce four Chicago-based playwrights who received commissions to develop short plays for the Say Gay Plays collection. Hannah li-Epstein (AFT) Emilio Williams (AFT), Esho Rasho (Silk Road), and Lani Montreal (Silk Road).

Jamil Khoury, Silk Road Cultural Center’s Founding Executive Artistic Director stated, “In an era of state censorship, word policing, and criminalized identities, “Say Gay Plays” is a perfect antidote. A bold, unapologetic short plays initiative developed by NYC’s Voyage Theater that champions Queer joy, collective resilience, and personal triumph. It is an honor and privilege to partner with About Face Theatre and Northeastern Illinois University to bring to life stories that offer hope and healing in turbulent times. Florida’s Governor and state legislature be damned. We at Silk Road Cultural Center most definitely say gay!”