Illinois Tour: May 2-17, 2022
The Connecting Routes Project strives to make theater accessible by touring productions from Chicago by train directly to communities connected to us across America's railway network. One Woman Hamlet: Shake(speare) the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health will tour the state of Illinois via Metra and Amtrak railway routes, and be presented in public spaces, like libraries and community centers, from May 2-14, 2022.
A free virtual stream of One Woman Hamlet: The Film will be offered on May 17 at 7pm CST.
Learn more about One Woman Hamlet on our Productions page, and check out our venue partners for this exciting new tour below!
“This is not your average Hamlet.”
One Woman Hamlet: Shake(speare) the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health dives into the mind of Kate, as she uniquely parallels the story of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with her own journey dealing with depression and anxiety. Come prepared to laugh, cry, and break some stigma as Kate shares her story through Shakespeare, puppetry, and music!
Performances are 75 minutes, and followed by a 30 minute post-show discussion.
CONTENT ADVISORY: Suggested for audiences 13 and above. While this performance has funny and playful moments, it also talks honestly and openly about suicide, loss, and trauma; content could potentially be triggering. We recognize, however, that suicide is something all ages experience, so all ages are welcome, if comfortable. You are welcome to step away at any time if uncomfortable and needing space; free mental health resources will be available from The Hope for Us Network. This experience is designed to find what feels good to you and we believe that “It’s OK not to be OK.” Please reach out with any questions.
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
We are kindly requiring masks for all audience members at every performance on this tour, regardless of vaccination status.
The theater industry was one of the first to shut down in the pandemic and among the last to return, so we are very thankful for the opportunity to tour again! We hope you understand this mask requirement is in place not only to protect our audiences, but also our touring team, ensuring they stay healthy and are able to continue sharing this show with each of our six communities.
tour venue partners and performance dates
All performances have limited capacity. Registration may be required.
Lincolnwood Public Library, Lincolnwood, IL
Monday, May 2, 6:30pm
Geneva Public Library District, Geneva, IL
Touring via: Metra Union Pacific West
Tuesday, May 3, 1:30pm
Waukegan Public Library, Waukegan, IL
Touring via: Metra Union Pacific North
(In partnership with The Josselyn Center, providing on-site mental health resources and support.)
Thursday, May 5, 4:30pm
Galesburg Public Library, Galesburg, IL
Touring via: Amtrak Carl Sandburg
UPDATE: UNFORTUNATELY CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. Please instead register for our free virtual stream of the film, listed below. We look forward to connecting with you in the future!
Monday, May 9, 4:00pm
Register by emailing reference@galesburglibrary.org or calling 309-343-6118.
Harvey Public Library, Harvey, IL
Touring via: Metra Electric
Wednesday, May 11, 4:30pm
Blue Island Public Library, Blue Island, IL
Touring via: Metra Rock Island District
Saturday, May 14, 2:30pm
Can’t attend a live performance on tour?
No problem!
In our efforts to keep our work as accessible as possible, on Tuesday, May 17 at 7pm, you can stream One Woman Hamlet: The Film, for FREE from the comfort of your home, with optional subtitles available on the film!
Captured by Kseni Avonavi, Ayesha Abouelazm, and Brian Naughton in 2021, One Woman Hamlet: The Film has since been featured in the Lift Off Film Festival and the NYC Indie Theater Film Festival. Learn more about the film at www.onewomanhamlet.com.
Hosted by The Connecting Routes Project, this program has been specifically supported by funds dedicated to accessibility initiatives from the Arts Midwest GIG Fund.
In order to view the film, you must register in advance. Click below to fill out the form. A link will be emailed to you prior to the event on May 17, 2022, which will give you access to the free virtual stream for 24 hours, starting at 7pm CST.
The trailer for the 2021 film of “One Woman Hamlet.” Featuring footage captured by Kseni Avonavi, Ayesha Abouelazm, and Brian Naughton.
Mental Health resources and suicide prevention
All performances will provide free mental health resources from The Hope For Us Network, a lived experience coalition disrupting the highest factors for mental health crises.
We also seek to partner with local mental health organizations to provide on-location support at performances whenever possible. If you work with a mental health organization in one of the following communities and would like to connect with us, please reach out!
If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 800-273- TALK (8255). More resources are available on the One Woman Hamlet website. “It’s Ok not to be OK.”
This engagement is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Please consider supporting our journey! Your generous (and tax-deductible!) donation will help us connect with communities across the nation and support our artists.