Photo Flash: About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble Celebrates 20 Years with 20/20

The About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the world premiere of 20/20, an exhilarating dive into recent queer history devised and performed by members of the About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble and co-directed by Associate Director of About Face Youth Theatre (AFYT) Donny Acosta and Artistic Director Megan Carney. 20/20will play July 12 - 28, 2019 at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Tickets ($20 or pay-what-you-can) are currently available at aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565. The press opening is Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 pm.

Curious about what's really changed for LGBTQ youth in the last 20 years? Immersed in a timeless club atmosphere, 20/20 explores the resilience of chosen families, the generational impacts of AIDS and the evolution of gender. Inspired by true stories of today's youth alongside program alumni and master storytellers, this performance and all-ages party draws out powerful lessons from the past to envision a vibrant and affirming future for queer lives.

Comments Co-Director and Artistic Director Megan Carney, "It's been a profound experience looking through the 20 years of archives of About Face Youth Theatre. Dozens of teaching artists and hundreds of youth have participated in workshops and performances over the years, amplifying the true stories of LGBTQIA youth on stages around Chicago and across the country. The program has a stunning legacy and is a testament to the power of the arts to be a leading force for change in our culture."

The workshop process included master classes with local visionaries including E. Patrick Johnson (Northwestern University), Zahra Baker (Storyteller and Musician), Darling Squire (Performer), Benji Hart (Artist and Activist), Moisés Villada (UIC Gender and Sexuality Center), Scott Duff (AFT Artistic Associate and Host of OUT Chicago Radio), Mama Gloria (Town Hall Apartments), and some co-founders of Amigas Latinas, Evette Cardona, Aurora Pineda and Alicia Vega. These community leaders brought recent history into sharp focus to support a play that weaves the past and present.

Co-Director and Associate Director of About Face Youth Theatre Donny Acosta adds, "20/20 gives us the opportunity to mesh two generations together that are usually separated in our community. Often older folks say, 'Oh the younger generation doesn't know what we went through to get to where we are now.' But today's youth have a different approach on how to fight these issues. It still takes effort. Nowadays we can do more than marching in the streets. We can jump online and reach people around the world. This youth ensemble is eager to learn their LGBTQIA history and pass it on."

The production team for 20/20 includes Pauline Olesky (scenic design), Jos N. Banks (costume design), Claire Sangster (lighting design), Ariel Zetina (sound design), Angelíca Grace (choreography) Jenna Meyers (production manager) and Amy Sheahan (stage manager).

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Keyonna Jackson, Micah Manternach, Sharon Pasia, Angelíca Grace, Lucian Sheldon-Wesley, Jaden Salazar and Natalie Grace O'Hea
Mal Blasingame
Jaden Salazer
Angelíca Grace
Dara Prentiss
Lily Rubin, Natalie Grace O'Hea, Micah Manternach, Jaden Salazar, Angelíca Grace and Jessica James
Sharon Pasia, Micah Maternach, Lucian Sheldon-Wesley and Nina Cajuste
Nina Cajuste
Angelíca Grace with Keyonna Jackson, Natalie Grace O'Hea, Lucian Sheldon-Wesley and Dara Prentiss
Jessica James