The Young Playwrights Festival (YPF) celebrates the 34th year of inspiring Chicago students to explore their histories, research their communities and mine their personal journeys to write dynamic one-act plays for the stage. YPF is the only event of its kind in Chicago and is the second largest in the country.
The winning playwrights’ productions are work-shopped and professional produced with full casts and production teams. The competition received nearly 300 submissions in 2020 with this year’s selections:
A Lady’s Facade by Aisha Ziad, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools,
Teacher-Christine Himmelfarb | directed by Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke
After being fired, fine arts historian and curator Hayley tries to earn her job back when she uncovers a secret behind the Mona Lisa that could change history.
Containment by Lincoln Gaw | Lane Tech College Prep, Teacher-
Brian Telles | directed by Alex Levy
In this satire, Ohio has invaded its neighboring states, spreading like a plague, and the Centers for Disease Control has dispatched armed rapid response teams to the Illinois border to try and contain the threat.
These Glass Lives by Jake Florell, Kenwood Academy, Teacher-Jon Nemeth |directed by ILesa Duncan
A panicked teen sneaks into a man’s home seeking refuge as police are actively pursuing a suspect. The two men discover the fragile nature of their connection.
ABOUT PEGASUS THEATRE CHICAGO
Pegasus Theatre Chicago has been a mainstay in the Chicago theater communityfor more than four decades. Its mission is to champion new, authentic voices and produce boldly imaginative theatre primarily by and about black, indigenous or other people of color (BIPOC). Home of the Young Playwrights Festival, the company promotes cultural equity while celebrating diversity, inclusion, and first voice. Pegasus is also committed to initiating important conversations through the arts with strong community engagement and socially relevant programming. Pegasus Theatre Chicago has received 77 Joseph Jefferson Awards since its inception.
Be sure to witness the amazing results of these writers professional debut and enjoy an evening of theater from tomorrow’s stars.
Virtual Performance Tickets: Adults: $20 |Students 22 & Under: $12
Student Matinee Tickets: teachers and school administrators should contact ypf@pegasustheatrechicago.org.