Evanston Actors Create Theater Piece About Dealing with the Pandemic

Mudlark Theater, an Evanston-based youth theater company that presents new, youth-centered stories, is pleased to announce that it will be presenting "I'm Smiling Beneath This Mask," a new show this spring created by 12 young actors about their experience dealing with the pandemic.

The show performed outdoors in Evanston’s Ridgeville Park (908 Seward St., Evanston), May 27-29 and June 1 and June 2. “I’m Smiling…” is an original collection of scenes, poetry, movement and music and is being directed of Khari Bowden, who makes art under the names Khari B. and The Disco Poet.

Khari B. is an established spoken word musician and educator who has performed both locally and around the world. He is currently an artist-in-residence at Purdue University. With a solid reputation for delivering powerful performances with intense instrumental accompaniment, Khari B.’s energetic nature is inextricably tied to growing up in Chicago’s house music culture and being the son of two educators, one being acclaimed woodwindist, Mwata Bowden.

To create the pieces that make up “I’m Smiling…,” the actors have drawn on their experiences living through the pandemic, acknowledging the pain, humor, and occasional joy that arises in times of upheaval. “We’re taking personal stories, some mildly exaggerated, and shaping them into an artistic narrative. The final product will be an exciting show that speaks to the angst, antsy-ness, and absurdity of being quarantined over the past two years, told from a youth perspective,” Khari B. said.

“I’m Smiling Beneath This Mask” is a partnership among three organizations: Mudlark Theater, Khari B.’s Discopoetry A.E.C., and the Ridgeville Foundation, a non-profit arm of the Ridgeville Park District. The Foundation presents free music and theater events in Ridgeville Park.

“As far as partnerships go, this is the perfect team,” said Mudlark Artistic Director Andrew Biliter. “Mudlark has assembled a diverse ensemble of talented young performers. Khari B.’s artistic vision and guidance ensure that the show they create will be an emotionally cathartic and joyful experience for pandemic-weary audiences. And the Ridgeville Foundation allows us to expand that audience and perform for them outdoors, in beautiful Ridgeville Park. More than a show, we hope ‘I’m Smiling Beneath This Mask’ will be a cultural event that brings our community together and helps us heal.”

I’m Smiling Beneath This Mask — May 27-29; June 1-2
Venue: Ridgeville Park, 908 Seward St., Evanston
Performance Times:
Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 28 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 29 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m.

Synopsis: An original performance devised by 12 young actors under the guidance of Chicago’s own Khari Bowden, a.k.a. The Disco Poet, “I’m Smiling Beneath This Mask” looks both forward and backward — celebrating our chance to connect in this time and place, while reflecting on the pain, isolation, and surprising moments of humor and joy, of the past two years. Through a combination of theater, poetry, movement, and music, the show will speak to our season’s theme from many sides, in many voices.
Tickets: Admission is free