An ant who wishes to explore the world beyond her family’s territory, a grandmother and granddaughter superhero duo and a helpful house spirit are among the cast of characters found in the fourth installment of Ghostlight Ensemble’s Make/Believe short play festival for young audiences this year.
Ghostlight is excited to feature five new plays for young audience members to enjoy this summer with their family and friends, said festival producer Caryn Brieschke. For the first time more than half the plays are by local playwrights.
“These stories are fun for children to watch, but are also crucial to helping them understand the increasingly complex feelings they develop as they grow older and providing them with tools to deal with complicated situations they may find themselves in,” Brieschke added.
Filled with the power of believing in yourself, new adventures and family bonds, the five stories that make up this year’s festival are filled with characters who face the types of struggles modern children will recognize from their own lives.
This year’s plays include:
The Thing That Comes to the Basement by Chicago playwright Lori Taylor, whose work will be familiar to past Make/Believe audiences, as she’s been a part of all our previous festivals. In The Thing That Comes to the Basement, Camilla Antie, an 8-year-old ant, discovers that just because someone looks different than you, does not mean they are frightening or that they cannot become your friend.
Hannah and Halmoni Save the World! by Chicago playwright Juliet Kang Huneke. By day, Hannah is a 7-year-old girl who lives with her Korean American grandma. But by night, grandma transforms into a SUPERHERO named Halmoni (that’s the Korean word for grandma, if you were wondering)! But when it’s Hannah’s turn to be the hero, not the sidekick, can she step up and save the day? Hannah and Halmoni Save the World champions asking for help, self-forgiveness and super awesome theme songs for the young AND old among us.
The Edge of Play by Provo, Utah, playwright Janine Sobeck Knighton. The Edge of Play tells the story of Ada, an imaginative 8-year-old girl who loves slides but gets really nervous around other kids. With help from her unique friend Mo, she learns that it’s OK to need a little extra help and support to do the things that scare you the most.
Finding Belief by Portland playwright Kwik Jones. Even with encouragement from her father, Ivy, a young girl discouraged by her tennis match losses, lives in a world of doubt – that is until Dunlop, her tennis racket, comes to life and ushers her on a short journey to rescue her Belief from the evil tennis ball, Doubt. Ivy must find courage to save Belief. With the help of the audience will Ivy find and save Belief?
Guardian of the House (Τόπακας) by Chicago playwright and Ghostlight Ensemble Member Maria Burnham. A young girl, tired of all the new chores she has to do since her little sister arrived, learns the value of family and sticking together from the genii of her house. Steeped in Greek folklore, Guardian of the House will feature traditional Hellenic storytelling and puppetry.
Make/Believe is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 27; Sunday, May 28; Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, at 1:30 p.m. at NorthCenter Town Square (4100 N. Damen Ave., Chicago).
All five plays will be produced on each day of the festival at the NorthCenter Town Square – an outdoor space in the heart of the NorthCenter neighborhood. Some seating will be available, but audience members are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnics. The show is free, but donations are always appreciated.
Make/Believe is produced by Caryn Brieschke and is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and by support from the NorthCenter Chamber of Commerce.
Make/Believe is part of Ghostlight’s Nightlight young audience series, which features original, adapted and forgotten plays geared toward children and the adults who love them.
More information will be available on the Make/Believe show page.