Performances were July 22, 23, 24, 28, 30 and 31, 2022.

Thanks to those of you who attended the production, or who donated time, energy and money to make it happen. Make sure to sign up for our mailing list, so we can keep you in touch with what comes next!

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Demoralized by the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004, Larry Kramer gave what he called ‘the most difficult speech I ever had to give.” Now, the United States faces a possibility of a different Republican being reelected. In this season of anti-trans legislation, looming supreme court decisions, and orders to ‘Don’t Say Gay”, we wondered ‘What would Larry Kramer say?’ 

Adapted/director David G Zak says “At the start of the Trump years, I re-read THE TRAGEDY OF TODAY’S GAYS and found it still vibrant and stirring. Kramer’s prophetic statements about the rise of the conservative movement, the development of viruses still unknown, and the sorrow and anger about AIDS that defined his life, THE TRAGEDY OF TODAY’S GAYS calls out to be shared in a new way even now, two years after his death.”

David Zak adapted the text working initially with Mr. Kramer. The spoken words are all from the speech. The staging features seven actors on a blank stage with a video wall to provide some context and commentary. There is a lot of history, a great deal about politics, some screaming, some great Kramerisms, and many tears. 

Zak directed the Chicago premiere of Kramer’s comedy about the Reagans JUST SAY NO, with Kramer in residence for rehearsals, in 1999 for Bailiwick Rep.

The cast features Tom Chiola, Keith Butler, Elijah Newman, Hailey Hance, Roberto del Rio, Alexandra Moorman, and Ryan Quade. The Projection Design is by Magdiel Carmona, and the Sound Design is by Elijah Newman. 

Middle: Roberto del Rio, Tom Chiola, and Hailey Hance

Lower: Elijah Newman and Ryan Quade

THE KRAMER PROJECT is the first event for Open Space Arts, a new non-profit dedicated to works of social relevance. There are only six performances at Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago. Ticket sales benefit Center on Halsted.  

Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.

Find out more information and donate in support of THE KRAMER PROJECT at www.openspacearts.com. Tickets will be on sale at Centeronhalsted.org starting June 15. VIP tickets are $30. General admission is $20 with $10 tickets for seniors and students.

Download the PRESS RELEASE. Download the PROGRAM.

Please donate to Open Space Arts, a new 501(c)3 non profit, Funds support the new theatrical adaptation of Larry Kramer’s speech THE TRAGEDY OF TODAY’S GAYS, adapted for the stage and directed by David G. Zak. The producer is Open Space Arts, a 501(c)3 non-profit presenting works of social relevance to both live and streaming audiences.

Donations can be made through using this link, or checks can be mailed to OPEN SPACE ARTS, 2215 W Giddings, Chicago, IL 60625 Attn David Zak

MARKETING SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

SOCIAL MEDIA and other Links

Open Space Arts is the fiscal agent for Pride Film Fest.

The Arts Judaica project at Open Space Arts celebrates and promotes the richness and diversity of Jewish culture and heritage through the arts. We are dedicated to creating engaging and thought-provoking artistic experiences that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish traditions, history, and values.

Through our commitment to artistic excellence, we aim to provide a platform for Jewish artists to showcase their talents and voices while nurturing their creative growth. We strive to support emerging artists, encourage innovative collaborations, and empower individuals to express their unique Jewish identities through various artistic mediums, including visual arts, music, theater, dance, literature, and film.

We seek to bridge communities and promote intercultural understanding by fostering dialogue and embracing inclusivity. We believe that the arts have the power to transcend boundaries and promote empathy, compassion, and respect among people of different faiths, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Education and outreach are integral parts of our mission. We are dedicated to offering educational programs, workshops, and exhibitions that engage learners of all ages, providing opportunities to explore Jewish history, traditions, and contemporary issues through artistic lenses. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire curiosity, spark dialogue, and foster a lifelong love of the arts and Jewish culture.

If you have a script or project that fits this project, email openspacearts2022@gmail.com.

What do we seek in the play contest? Open Space Arts seeks innovative plays and exciting screenplays about today’s hot topics. Gender issues, or Don’t Say Gay! Climate, religion, politics, freedom? Racial justice, CRT, abortion. sex, politics, families, climate, war, and peace – the future! If you wrote about it, we want it. There are so many things for writers to say dealing with today’s issues. If people are talking about it, we need plays, and screenplays that bring it to life. Sex, politics, religion, families, climate, war, and peace – you name it, we want it. Think big and bold. Learn the rules and skills of the craft, and then break them.

What do we seek in the screenplay contest?

The mission of our PRIDE FILM FEST is to celebrate and promote the diversity and stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities through the medium of film. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive space where audiences can engage with thought-provoking, entertaining, and empowering cinematic experiences that challenge stereotypes, inspire dialogue, and foster greater understanding and acceptance.
This screenplay contest is essential to that mission, as we will celebrate the best works written for the screen.

Open Space Arts is new offering classes in audition preparation, scene study, non profit management, and more.

Check out all of the details here!

The Open Space Arts space at 1411 W Wilson is an excellent room for small rehearsals, classes, consulting, or photo shoots.

Find more information here.

Prices start at $25 per hour, with discounts for recurring bookings.

This is a relatively quiet workspace on ground level with room for some photo lights, washroom, and carpeted space. It has a pole in the center of the room, but it is generally easy to work around. The door opens directly into the space, so there is no ‘waiting room’ spot if you are doing auditions. The space is three steps down. The building is right on the alley, so loading equipment into the space is easy. Sink, microwave, small fridge, half bath (very old). There are plenty of chairs and rehearsal blocks for additional seating or theater games.

Please request space with at least 24 hours advance notice, especially on the weekends.