They say seven is a lucky number—well, we are co-producing seven, (yes, seven) events in March to get everyone ready for spring! Call it the luck of the Irish, but we’re just incredibly fortunate to be partnering with About Face Theatre, Science is Sexy, and, of course, to continue our partnership with Columbia College for Story Week.
On Tuesday, March 11, Guild Lit teams up with About Face Theatre for the production of our first Applied Words for March: It Gets Better. Hosted by the fabulous Tamale, this laughable, lovable evening presents four storytellers who explore themes of history, mythology, gender, and high school. Performers include Lily Be—a MOTH Champion; Jill Howe, a co-producer of Story Sessions; Greg Ledger, host of the podcast A Dear School and performs with the group Its A Thing; and Precious Davis, a community activist and Artistic Associate with About Face Theatre.
On March 18 we kick off our official Story Week events with an evening with author Cristina García. On March 19, get ready for a full evening of events, including a powerful panel discussion on the importance of translation with Cristina Garcia, author of King of Cuba, Kolin Jordan, translator for 7Vientos, Achy Obejas, author of Ruins, Valeria Luiselli, author of Faces in the Crowd and Sidewalks.
Following the panel, we’ll refresh you (like any good tonic does) with both food and drink during our Meet-and-Greet, where you will also be able to meet and chat with the authors of both the panel, as well as the Palabra Pura: Noche de novelas / Night of Novels— which include renowned writers Cristina García and Valeria Luiselli. The three events on the 19 are generously sponsored by the Chicago Parks District, who are hosting us in the beautiful, historic Humboldt Park Field House.
Not to worry, we’ll let you get a good night’s sleep after that action packed day. And you can join us again at the Metro for a tribute to the life of David Hernandez, honorable poet and community organizer. Local writers and poets will take the stage with Street Sounds to read some of Hernandez’s original works.
Finally, we’ll wrap up the month with another Applied Words. You might have remembered our first science/tech themed Applied Words: Notes from the Mainframe. In case you missed it, check out the coverage in The Logan Squarist. This time, however, we’re bringing in Stephanie Levi, Founder of Science is Sexy. She has curated a night of science and literature we’re calling Unseen Worlds—complete with a microscopy station! Come to Schubas for this free event and geek out with us.
Before we let you go, the Guild is so pleased to announce our 2014 lineup of events! Check out our press release here to find out about all the great stuff we have planned—including our 25th anniversary party.
We’ll be seeing you soon and often in March. We’re just so lucky.