National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore Section Sponsors Shadow Town II: The JOHNS at Mayer Kaplan Theater in Skokie

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Chicago North Shore section is sponsoring Her Story Theater’s Shadow Town II: The JOHNS, written and directed by Mary Bonnett, October 16 - November 23 at the Mayer Kaplan Theater, Skokie, IL. Following the 2013 highly-acclaimed play Shadow Town based on sex trafficking of girls in the Chicagoland area, Bonnett creates the second half of story—the ‘demand’ side of the sex trade and its impact on the purchasers, their families and the sex trafficked girls.

“We’re honored to be able to sponsor Shadow Town II: The JOHNS. While many know sex trafficking exists, few, particularly few suburbanites, realize it occurs right here in our neighborhoods” said Stacy Saef, NCJW Chicago North Shore Co-President. “We hope to raise awareness and engage audiences in an effort to change behaviors and bring about social change. That’s what NCJW is all about.”

Shadow Town II: The JOHNS, based on interviews with dozens of people involved with sex trafficking in Chicago, is a powerful, humorous, imaginative and important play for both men and women. It weaves together nontraditional drama, music and dance to present a thought-provoking theatrical experience that will move audience members to action. It comes off the heels of Shadow Town, which made its world debut in Chicago in the fall of 2013, played to sold out houses, and was voted ‘Top 10 Best Play of 2013’ by Chicago Theater Beat.

NCJW Chicago North Shore section is hosting a special post-show reception on Sunday, October 26th with the play’s director, cast members, and other special guests. Tickets for the Sunday matinee and special reception are $50 and can be purchased at http://ncjwcns.org/shadowtownii/

A panel of experts are speaking and taking questions following each performance. Panelists for the post-show Q & A on Sunday, October 26th include Jody Raphael, nationwide sex trafficking expert, Cook County Vice Squad Detective Paul Olson, and a representative from The Dreamcatcher Foundation, a survivor-founded organization dedicated to sex trafficking prevention and direct service provision to trafficked women and girls. Proceeds from all performances of Shadow Town II: The JOHNS benefit The Dreamcatcher Foundation crisis drop-in center for sex trafficked girls.

J-CAST, the Jewish Coalition Against Sex Trafficking, founded by NCJW Chicago North Shore, is sponsoring the play the weekend of October 23-26. For more information about J-CAST or to join the effort, email info@ncjwcns.org or call 847-853-8889.

WHEN: October 16th - November 23rd, Thurs - Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 3:00 pm; special reception after the Sunday, October 26th performance and post-show Q&A.

WHERE: Mayer Kaplan Theater 5050 Church St. Skokie, IL 847-763-3500. Ample free parking.

WHO: Experts join the conversation after each performance for a Q & A. For more information about NCJW Chicago North Shore: www.ncjwcns.org. To purchase Sunday, October 26th matinee and special reception tickets: http://ncjwcns.org/shadowtownii/ or call 847-853-8889. To purchase all other tickets ($35 each): Brown Paper Tickets, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/674424 or call 1-800-838-3006.

National Council of Jewish Women is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action through cultural and educational programs, social action and community service projects, and advocacy. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.