Him (Jennifer Lim) coughs on the smoke of the incense she lights as she bows to a temporary altar in her kitchen in Carrollton, Texas. Ma (Wai Ching Ho) is propped up on a hospital bed, where she is unceremoniously dying. Sophea (Francesca Fernandez McKenzie) isn’t around, but is it her fate or her fault? 

In Lulu Wang’s 2019 film The Farewell, a family gathers under pretext of marriage to celebrate their beloved matriarch, who, unbeknownst to her, is terminally ill. Vichet Chum’s Bald Sisters, directed in its world premiere at Steppenwolf by Jesca Prudencio, envisions the opposite scenario: Ma is on her deathbed and has not yet informed her younger daughter Sophea of her indisposition. “Oops,” she shrugs to elder daughter Him, before promptly keeling over. Forget breaking up over text; this is transitioning to the afterlife over voicemail—and, while possibly the most tragic thing that could ever happen in Bald Sisters, it is also deeply, strangely hilarious.

Bald Sisters Through 1/15: Tue-Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 2:30 and 7:30 PM, Sun 2:30 PM; no shows 12/24-12/25 and 12/27; open caption Thu 12/22 and Sat 1/14 2:30 PM, audio description Thu 12/22 and Sat 1/14 2:30 PM, ASL interpretation Thu 12/22 and Sat 1/14 2:30 PM, Spanish captions Thu 12/22 and Sat 1/14 2:30 PM, relaxed sensory performances Thu 12/22 and Sat 1/14 2:30 PM; Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, 312-335-1650, steppenwolf.org, $40-$86

Now that Ma is dead, Him and Sophea must decide what to do with her remains and possessions. It has been approximately a lifetime since they have agreed on anything. Him is an uptight nurse and married to a pastor (Nate, played by Coburn Goss). Sophea is a free-spirited photographer and sleeping with her boss. And they are both, as the title implies, bald. For Him, it’s because of the toxic effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer, a condition previously undisclosed to her sister. Sophea has shaved her head in accordance with Buddhist mourning tradition. (“If anyone would’ve provided me enough dignity to let me know my mother was about to kick the bucket . . . they would’ve found out I actually know a thing or two about Cambos dying.”) So what will it be: a ritualistic parting of soul and body by fire, or a dignified Western burial at Hilltop Memorial Park? 

“The day I found you . . . I’m ashamed to say this, I probably should not say it, but I’m going to say it . . . I didn’t recognize you, gkoun,” admits Ma shortly before she passes, recalling the moment in late 1970s Cambodia when she and Him were reunited during the genocide that killed a quarter of the country’s population. Ma does not mention their separation, and Him can’t remember their moment of reunion, but before they can get sentimental or even acknowledge the facts of the matter, Ma interrupts: “Don’t cry like a bitch.” (Sophea was only sort of there for the moment—in utero, both “the only daughter I had left” and the daughter left out, born American, protected and excluded from the decisive and divisive history of destruction and survival.)

Death is no conclusion for a woman like Ma who haunts her daughters clad in varicolored ensembles for the Asian woman who’s 65 but looks 45 (yessss, green patent leather heels, patterned leggings, sheer sparkly coverup—on-point costume design by Izumi Inaba) and leaves behind gold lavalieres to string her teeth upon. Everyone has a memory of Ma. Ma meditated with Nate. Ma befriended Seth (Nima Rakhshanifar), the college student/Syrian refugee who mows the lawn and accompanies Him to chemo and becomes buddies with Sophea, even though, like his own American-born younger sister, “she sucks.” 

Bald Sisters operates on a pendulum swinging between comedy and tragedy, perpetually offering the moments of missed mutual recognition that are the minutes and minutiae that make up generational trauma, approaching and retreating from confrontations and conversations that comprise the true nature of reality. Against, in place of—and also expressing—this reality is art: art as compensation for lost history, culture, and connection, art as the only common language that can survive the ruptures humans wreak upon themselves. Unable to find solace in Cambodian or American funeral rites, Sophea becomes calm as a sitting Buddha listening to Seth (whose real name is Seif) chant a prayer in Arabic. Unable to speak directly to her daughters of pain, grief, or hope, Ma resorts to her favorite song, the Cascades’ “Rhythm of the Rain.” 

In a rapid 100 minutes ricochets a kaleidoscope of themes, including immigration, assimilation, loss, and community. Ho is endearingly fabulous as Ma. Lim is stoic and Fernandez McKenzie sassy as the sisters. Rakhshanifar is the neighbor everybody needs as Seth, and Goss affable in his flaws as Nate. Every detail and intention in this production is lovingly conveyed, every line of the play piercingly, poignantly true. 

“Ma used to say because the Khmer Rouge invaded on the new year . . . we’ve

learned to mourn and celebrate in the same breath,” says Sophea. Bald Sisters does both brilliantly.

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Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

Read More

Never miss a copy! Paid print subscriptions are available for 12 issues, 26 issues, and for 52 issues from the Reader Store.

Chicago Reader print issue dates

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week. Issues are dated Thursday. Distribution usually happens Wednesday morning through Thursday night of the issue date. There will be one extra non-print week between the final issue of 2022 and the first issue in 2023. Upcoming print issue dates through through June 2023 are:

12/22/2022
1/12/2023
1/26/2023
2/9/2023
2/23/2023
3/9/2023
3/23/2023
4/6/2023
4/20/2023
5/4/2023
5/18/2023
6/1/2023
6/15/2023
6/29/2023

See our information page for advertising opportunities and editorial calendars of upcoming issues.

Read More

’Tis the season for unbridled consumerism masking as some of us insisting that “gift giving is my love language!” While we can’t stop the avalanche of gifting that is already in motion (although Reverend Billy would disagree), we can encourage you to check out some local pop-up holiday markets and consider purchasing directly from Chicago artisans and small businesses. Here’s a few on tap today:

The Greater Chatham Initiative and the website The Black Mall cohost Holiday Pop Up on the 9 this week, a multi-site and multi-day celebration of local businesses along 79th Street from State to Cottage Grove. Shops are open from noon-7 PM through Sun 12/18, and offer specials, winter wear, art, plants, and more, including special guests. Actor Isaiah Washington is slated to appear today at the Initiative’s Annex at 737 E. 79th from 4-6 PM, and actress and author T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh appears for a book signing from 2-5 PM on Sat 12/17.
My Block My Hood My City and the Chicago Defender Charities cohost a celebratory tree lighting ceremony at 35th Street and King Drive tonight, and neighborhood gift shop Absolutely Anything Essential invites neighbors and friends to stop by for hot cocoa and holiday shopping. Cocoa and fellowship will be served from 4:30-5:30 PM at the shop (3521 S. King Dr.) and the tree lighting is scheduled for 5-5:15 PM. The shop will then stay open until 7 PM for your gifting needs.
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce hosts Damen At Night, a holiday shopping event from several businesses along Damen Avenue between Argyle and Montrose. From 5-8 PM, participating shops will be open for extended hours, offer refreshments, deals, and host additional pop-up vendors.
The Makers Market, which focuses on local small shops and creators, visits Movement rock climbing gym in Lincoln Park (1460 N. Dayton) from 6-9 PM; while there you can inquire about free tours or book a climbing session.
Festive Collective party store (2643 N. Milwaukee) hosts a Holiday Night Market tonight from 7-9 PM, offering cocktails, treats, live music, and pop-up vendors including artist Chris Uphues, bang trims from Emmy Katz of Golddust Studios, and free gift wrapping for all purchases from Orange Beautiful. (SCJ)

The live storytelling series Grown Folks Stories serves up real life tales from a variety of Chicagoans—some work as teachers, comedians, or are otherwise old pros at public speaking, but some storytellers at Grown Folks are just moved by the experience to tell us all about their own lives in five minutes (which always results in the best and funniest moments). The series started as an ongoing event at Silver Room and tonight celebrates 12 years of community with a special evening at the Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West) hosted by comedian and storyteller Lawrence Binkey. Doors open at 6 PM (and you should get there early if you want to sign up for a chance to perform), with the show starting at 7 PM. Open to those 21 and older; advance tickets are at Eventbrite. (SCJ)

East coast? West coast? Which is the best coast? Hold up. When it comes to rap, we cannot forget about the no coast (midwest). Tonight at Golden Dagger (2447 N. Halsted), Cruzin, Billy the Kid, and Big Pink will be repping the ocean-to-ocean range of emergent lo-fi hip-hop beats—but, like, the good kind—not that played-out Spotify shit! Prepare for a night of soulful lyricism and laid back vibes. Tickets are $15, and you must be 21 or up. The show starts at 8 PM. (MC)

Read More

Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

Read More

Never miss a copy! Paid print subscriptions are available for 12 issues, 26 issues, and for 52 issues from the Reader Store.

Chicago Reader print issue dates

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week. Issues are dated Thursday. Distribution usually happens Wednesday morning through Thursday night of the issue date. There will be one extra non-print week between the final issue of 2022 and the first issue in 2023. Upcoming print issue dates through through June 2023 are:

12/22/2022
1/12/2023
1/26/2023
2/9/2023
2/23/2023
3/9/2023
3/23/2023
4/6/2023
4/20/2023
5/4/2023
5/18/2023
6/1/2023
6/15/2023
6/29/2023

See our information page for advertising opportunities and editorial calendars of upcoming issues.

Read More

’Tis the season for unbridled consumerism masking as some of us insisting that “gift giving is my love language!” While we can’t stop the avalanche of gifting that is already in motion (although Reverend Billy would disagree), we can encourage you to check out some local pop-up holiday markets and consider purchasing directly from Chicago artisans and small businesses. Here’s a few on tap today:

The Greater Chatham Initiative and the website The Black Mall cohost Holiday Pop Up on the 9 this week, a multi-site and multi-day celebration of local businesses along 79th Street from State to Cottage Grove. Shops are open from noon-7 PM through Sun 12/18, and offer specials, winter wear, art, plants, and more, including special guests. Actor Isaiah Washington is slated to appear today at the Initiative’s Annex at 737 E. 79th from 4-6 PM, and actress and author T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh appears for a book signing from 2-5 PM on Sat 12/17.
My Block My Hood My City and the Chicago Defender Charities cohost a celebratory tree lighting ceremony at 35th Street and King Drive tonight, and neighborhood gift shop Absolutely Anything Essential invites neighbors and friends to stop by for hot cocoa and holiday shopping. Cocoa and fellowship will be served from 4:30-5:30 PM at the shop (3521 S. King Dr.) and the tree lighting is scheduled for 5-5:15 PM. The shop will then stay open until 7 PM for your gifting needs.
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce hosts Damen At Night, a holiday shopping event from several businesses along Damen Avenue between Argyle and Montrose. From 5-8 PM, participating shops will be open for extended hours, offer refreshments, deals, and host additional pop-up vendors.
The Makers Market, which focuses on local small shops and creators, visits Movement rock climbing gym in Lincoln Park (1460 N. Dayton) from 6-9 PM; while there you can inquire about free tours or book a climbing session.
Festive Collective party store (2643 N. Milwaukee) hosts a Holiday Night Market tonight from 7-9 PM, offering cocktails, treats, live music, and pop-up vendors including artist Chris Uphues, bang trims from Emmy Katz of Golddust Studios, and free gift wrapping for all purchases from Orange Beautiful. (SCJ)

The live storytelling series Grown Folks Stories serves up real life tales from a variety of Chicagoans—some work as teachers, comedians, or are otherwise old pros at public speaking, but some storytellers at Grown Folks are just moved by the experience to tell us all about their own lives in five minutes (which always results in the best and funniest moments). The series started as an ongoing event at Silver Room and tonight celebrates 12 years of community with a special evening at the Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West) hosted by comedian and storyteller Lawrence Binkey. Doors open at 6 PM (and you should get there early if you want to sign up for a chance to perform), with the show starting at 7 PM. Open to those 21 and older; advance tickets are at Eventbrite. (SCJ)

East coast? West coast? Which is the best coast? Hold up. When it comes to rap, we cannot forget about the no coast (midwest). Tonight at Golden Dagger (2447 N. Halsted), Cruzin, Billy the Kid, and Big Pink will be repping the ocean-to-ocean range of emergent lo-fi hip-hop beats—but, like, the good kind—not that played-out Spotify shit! Prepare for a night of soulful lyricism and laid back vibes. Tickets are $15, and you must be 21 or up. The show starts at 8 PM. (MC)

Read More

There is power to be found in pushing back, there is community to be made in forming resistance. In A Rebel’s Fantasy at FLXST Contemporary, curator Michael Rangel brings together seven artists from Chicago and beyond to remind us of the pure joy found in relishing rebellion, in pushing against the regulations, expectations, and constraints that bind us. With an eye on the “outsiders, the weird ones, the queer, and the monsters,” the exhibition forms a safe space for those of us on the margins, a place for experiences to visually overlap and intersect. 

“A Rebel’s Fantasy”Through 12/31: Wed-Fri 2-5 PM, Sun 2-5 PM, Tue by appointment, FLXST Contemporary, 2251 S. Michigan, Ste. 220, flxst.co

The mixed media paintings of Humberto Maldonado remind us that, in order to rebel, there must be something to rebel against. In works such as How’s Your Head?, Maldonado offers us that something—the restricting and damning industry of organized religion—by physically using religious tokens such as cross necklaces in his queer-centered paintings. Enrique Nevarez’s textured paintings also borrow religious iconography while rendering ultra-feminine, highly-saturated scenes of pink frosting-like paint and glitter. These works show a world where religion and playfully sexual beings can exist in tandem instead of in conflict—no matter the sexual preferences or kinks. 

Brianna Noble, The One, 2021, Oil paint, acrylic, and chain on unstretched canvas, 45.75 x 36.5 x 0.1 inches Credit: Courtesy of FLXST Contemporary

Sexual/sensual bodies also have a place in Brianna Noble’s work, which not only allows femme Black folks to take up space and agency, but also simply lets them just be sexual according to their own rules. There is so much joy present in the works in the exhibition that we almost forget that this is meant as a “rebellion.” Unfortunately, other people’s pleasure, the act of being joyful, is often seen as a rebuttal, an act against a regulation or constraint that existed before us, made by others without our consent. Whose rules? Not ours. There is an air of hopeful resilience in the works that, one day, these acts won’t be a rebellion—they will simply be.

Read More

There is power to be found in pushing back, there is community to be made in forming resistance. In A Rebel’s Fantasy at FLXST Contemporary, curator Michael Rangel brings together seven artists from Chicago and beyond to remind us of the pure joy found in relishing rebellion, in pushing against the regulations, expectations, and constraints that bind us. With an eye on the “outsiders, the weird ones, the queer, and the monsters,” the exhibition forms a safe space for those of us on the margins, a place for experiences to visually overlap and intersect. 

“A Rebel’s Fantasy”Through 12/31: Wed-Fri 2-5 PM, Sun 2-5 PM, Tue by appointment, FLXST Contemporary, 2251 S. Michigan, Ste. 220, flxst.co

The mixed media paintings of Humberto Maldonado remind us that, in order to rebel, there must be something to rebel against. In works such as How’s Your Head?, Maldonado offers us that something—the restricting and damning industry of organized religion—by physically using religious tokens such as cross necklaces in his queer-centered paintings. Enrique Nevarez’s textured paintings also borrow religious iconography while rendering ultra-feminine, highly-saturated scenes of pink frosting-like paint and glitter. These works show a world where religion and playfully sexual beings can exist in tandem instead of in conflict—no matter the sexual preferences or kinks. 

Brianna Noble, The One, 2021, Oil paint, acrylic, and chain on unstretched canvas, 45.75 x 36.5 x 0.1 inches Credit: Courtesy of FLXST Contemporary

Sexual/sensual bodies also have a place in Brianna Noble’s work, which not only allows femme Black folks to take up space and agency, but also simply lets them just be sexual according to their own rules. There is so much joy present in the works in the exhibition that we almost forget that this is meant as a “rebellion.” Unfortunately, other people’s pleasure, the act of being joyful, is often seen as a rebuttal, an act against a regulation or constraint that existed before us, made by others without our consent. Whose rules? Not ours. There is an air of hopeful resilience in the works that, one day, these acts won’t be a rebellion—they will simply be.

Read More