text by Stef Smith · conceived and directed by Cora Bissett

ALL PERFORMANCES ARE SOLD OUT
May 11–26, 2013 · An Immersive, Off-Site Theatrical Event
If you are unable to attend a performance but interested in learning more about efforts towards ending human trafficking, view the resources provided by our partner organizations.

American Premiere · A World’s Stage Production from Scotland

Content Warning: Roadkill contains graphic depictions of physical and sexual violence.

Audience Notice:The production is appropriate for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY and is not recommended for young or sensitive audience members. Given the site-specific, immersive nature of Roadkill, we ask that audience members leave bags and other items behind when attending the production, as they will be asked to move throughout the playing space during the production.

“ Beautiful, brilliant, and powerful. ” –The Scotsman (UK)

“This is immersive theatre at its most powerful.” –Financial Times (UK)

In a Nigerian city, a young girl struggles to support her family. A world away, in a Chicago apartment, ‘aunty Martha’ arranges a job and flight for her.  Journey with Mary to her new life and experience the nightmarish truth behind Martha’s false promises.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Roadkill, an immersive, theatrical event spotlighting the global issue of sex trafficking. Based on real-life experiences, the American premiere of Cora Bissett’s chilling production begins on a bus with Mary and Martha, transporting 20 audience members to a Chicago apartment—to witness firsthand the brutal realities behind the newspaper headlines. Direct, haunting performances combine with video and animation to shatter the theatrical “fourth wall”—creating an experience even the most seasoned theatergoer may find beyond their comfort zone.

Winner of the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award and the Olivier Award, Roadkill is the only production in Edinburgh Festival Fringe history to win every major theater award. From London to Paris, Edinburgh and Glasgow, audiences have been shocked by this jarring glimpse into underground activities inside their own cities, but their response has been unanimous: Roadkill is one of the most difficult—yet most important—theatrical events ever experienced.

This global issue is no less relevant here in Illinois, where recent legislation in Springfield is working to shift repercussions from sex trade survivors to traffickers and customers. Spotlighting the local-to-global implications for our city, Roadkill is a theatrical imperative demanding the end of sex trafficking.

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours (including travel times which may vary slightly)

Presented with Pachamama Productions and Richard Jordan Productions Ltd in association with Traverse Theatre.

International programming at Chicago Shakespeare Theater is supported, in part, by the Julius Frankel Foundation.

Attending Roadkill

Roadkill takes place off-site. Audience members will meet on Navy Pier at the designated performance time to board a bus on which the action of the play begins. You will travel with the actors to a Chicago apartment for the remainder of the show.

Following the performance, all audience members will be bused back to the starting point on Navy Pier. You must be on time—absolutely no latecomers will be admitted once the bus has departed.

For further information, please contact the Box Office at 312.595.5600.