Wanna learn more about community groups organizing around issues like tenants rights and the cop academy? The Humboldt Park Housing Project (HPHP), a group fighting for affordable housing for low-income residents, is holding a teach-in at their headquarters (1629 N. Washtenaw). HPHP has been living in vacant public housing since January and is currently fighting with the Chicago Housing Authority, who has tried to forcibly remove them so they can sell the properties to developers. Not only will they provide an update on their campaign and ways to get involved, but they’ll be hosting workshops led by other organizers, such as New Era Young Lords, North Spaulding Renters’ Association, and Chicago Union of the Homeless (to name a few!). The day runs from 2-10 PM, and includes free food and drinks, a movie screening, and a dance party. Check out the HPHP’s Instagram for the complete schedule. (MC)
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Latina stories are front and center in Las Comadres of Theater and Comedy, featuring six leading writers and performers in two shows today benefiting IC U/Latinas, a social enterprise program for Latina entrepreneurs run through Letty Velez of Velez Global Enterprises. The half dozen heavy hitters include comedians Jesnaira Baez and Alicia Molina, actor and activist Tamika Lecheé Morales, former WGN host, comedian, and (recently) political candidate Patti Vasquez, UrbanTheater Company artistic director Miranda González, and actor/comedian Susana Rodriguez. It all takes place at Vittum Theater (1012 N. Noble) at 3 and 7 PM. Tickets are $40 and available at Eventbrite. (KR)
If HBO’s The Last Movie Stars whetted your appetite for tales of old Hollywood, then Theo Ubique has you covered this weekend with Call Me Elizabeth. Kayla Boye wrote and performs this solo piece about Elizabeth Taylor circa 1961 (just after winning the Oscar for Butterfield 8), talking to unseen biographer Max Lerner during a pivotal time in her life. Her current husband, Eddie Fisher, is playing Vegas and won’t stop calling, while she can’t stop thinking about her costar in the troubled production of Cleopatra she’s supposed to rejoin—Richard Burton. (She also keeps the champagne and pills flowing as she unloads about her troubled life.) Boye’s piece has made the rounds at several Fringe festivals, and popped up during the pandemic as a digital production presented through Porchlight. Boye, who is based in Chicago, brings it home for two nights to Theo Ubique (721 W. Howard, Evanston), tonight at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $25 at theo-u.com. (KR)
The premiere of CTAnarchy, a locally-made, hour-long documentary about painting CTA trains, is happening tonight outside the Fulton Market Lofts (350 N. Ogden). Billy the Kid will perform at 8 PM, then the movie screens at 9 PM. Throughout the evening, there will also be live painting happening. In the event of rain, the screening will move into the Fulton Market basement studios. No cost, all love. (MC)
