“Devised Shakespeare”
Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13, 6 to 7 p.m., Virtually with the OPRFHS Theater Department
See the show created by the cast and directed by teacher James Bell. Jude is a normal high schooler who procrastinates their essay until they end up in detention. Upon falling asleep they find themself intertwined in Shakespeare’s plays, interacting with the characters and causing a commotion. Once they find that the real world has become dominated by Shakespeare’s characters, they must find a way to return the world to the way it was. Pay what you can. Tickets: oprfhs.ticketleap.com/devised-shakespeare
Candidate Forums – Oak Park Library and Township
Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library
The municipal elections are on April 6. This forum starts with opening statements, followed by questions for the candidates and ends with closing statements. Submit questions in advance to lwvoprf1924@gmail.com or during the forum by chat in Zoom.
Saturday, March 13, 2 p.m. – Oak Park Library Board
Saturday, March 13, 3:30 p.m. – Oak Park Township
Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park & River Forest, in partnership with the Oak Park Public Library. Register: oppl.org/calendar
SEOPCO Village President Candidate Forum
Wednesday, March 17, 6:30 p.m., Zoom
The South East Oak Park Community Organization hosts this forum. Contact: SEOPCO@gmail.com to register.
“It is Almost Always Upon Us”
Listen through March; Talkback Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m., Virtually with 16th Street Theater
In honor of Chicago Theater Week hear Tony Award winning actress Deanna Dunagan and Guy Massey in a 15-minute radio play by Mickle Maher. Join Maher and MC-10 playwright Tanya Palmer for a Zoom talkback on Thursday for a discussion on the play, fairy tales and making theater. Free; donations accepted. Listen/register for talkback: 16thstreettheater.org/productions/it-is-always-almost-upon-us
Harambee
View anytime, Virtually with Kuumba Kids
Celebrate Black excellence through an explosion of music, arts, dance and poetry of the African diaspora. This annual event is usually held at Longfellow Elementary School. It is put on by Oak Parker Donna Calendar. View: youtube.com/watch?v=0vEGbqqF-co&feature=youtu.be
Hasani Cannon Art Exhibition
Through March, Forest Park National Bank Lobby
See the college student’s art, which he says reflects his experiences growing up, “surrounded by a lot of African culture, African masks” and his mother being an African dancer and himself doing African drumming… so the culture has always been prevalent in my life.” Viewable Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesdays, 1 to 5 p.m.; and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 7348 Madison St., Forest Park.
Caregiver Support Group
Friday March 12, 10 a.m. to Noon, Virtually with Oak Park and River Forest Townships Senior Services
This group is for those caring for individuals age 60 and older or people with disabilities. Group typically meets twice monthly using gotomeeting.com. Next up, March 26. To register, contact cberg@oakparktownship.org, (708) 383-8060 ext. 116.
One Earth Film Festival
Through Sunday, March 14, Virtually
This week, see Dammed to Extinction, Mermaids Against Plastic: Tamara, YOUTH v GOV, The Nature Makers, Kiss the Ground, The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel, District 15, Fantastic Fungi and more. Besides viewing movies, meet filmmakers and film subjects, and hear from experts on sustainability topics. Free; $8 suggested donation. Register/more: oneearthfilmfest.org/films-by-date.
Two Brilliant Bills
Monday, March 15, 1:30 p.m., Zoom through the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
In this musical performance, hear classical, Broadway and popular songs sung by Bill Dwyer, tenor, and Bill McMurray, baritone, accompanied by Lisa Kristina on piano. Listen for a St. Patrick’s Day related tune by these in-demand touring musicians. Register: nineteenthcentury.org
Perspectives on RESISTANCE—From Shakespeare to Nathan Alan Davis
Saturday, March 13, 7 to 9 p.m., virtually with the Oak Park Public Library
In this Perspectives & Performance Series, join Oak Park Festival Theatre for an examination of social and political resistance, using the works of Shakespeare and contemporary playwright Nathan Alan Davis. During the program, compare how Shakespeare contributed to resistance against Tudor tyranny in his time (with performances from one of his narrative poems as well as two pieces from Richard II) and how Davis viewed Nat Turner and the slave rebellion of 1831 (with pieces from his play, Nat Turner in Jerusalem) in relation to today’s conversations about systemic racism in America. Festival Theater is performing Nat Turner in Jerusalem on March 27. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Myths and History of the Great Highland Bagpipe
Monday, March 15, 2 to 3 p.m., Virtually with the Oak Park Library
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, learn the rich history of bagpipes, one of the world’s oldest musical instruments. Dressed in full regalia, J. Kevin Chapman will demonstrate his piping skills. Register: oppl.org/calendar
French Language Open House
Wednesday, March 17, 6 to 7 p.m., Virtually with L’Institut francais d’Oak Park
Ask questions and learn more about programs. Courses and weekly Conversation Cafés are currently on Zoom. Register now for Spring 2021 programming. Sign up for open house: frenchinstitute.net