Roadkill

The Play

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.

The Players