Before select Saturday & Sunday performances, join us for scholarly conversations led by Deon Custard that examine the play & interpretive choices made by the director & creative team.
APR 29 - MAY 25, 2025
Premiere Production Sponsor
APR 29 - MAY 25, 2025
Written by Lolita Chakrabarti
Directed by Ron OJ Parson
Courtyard Theater
Hymn
Written by Lolita Chakrabarti
Directed by Ron OJ Parson
Courtyard Theater
A deeply resonant tribute to male friendship
In the spring, Olivier Award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti returns to Chicago with Hymn. Originally set in London in its premiere at the Almeida Theatre, Chakrabarti will reframe the play for CST to be set in Chicago. This soul-affirming story charts the lives of two middle-aged Black men as they form a deep bond in an intimate exploration of the loyalties and betrayals of brothers, fathers, and sons. Chakrabarti’s Red Velvet enjoyed an acclaimed run at CST in 2017; other notable credits include Life of Pi, now on tour across North America, and Hamnet, a stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel that premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company last year.
“I wanted to write a story of two Black men who find love with each other—a familial, platonic love,” says Chakrabarti. “My own male friends have often surprised me with their sensitivity, femininity, fussiness, insecurities, fun, kindness, and warmth—the list goes on. Hymn was born out of my desire to tell a different story. To reframe this play for Chicago is very exciting indeed, and I believe it will lend itself beautifully to this city’s rich culture.”
Students, young professionals, and theater lovers under age 30 can sign up for $30 Under 30 to access world‑class theater at an everyday price.
April 2025
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7:30 PM / Tuesday , Apr 29
7:30 PM / Wednesday , Apr 30
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
WED, MAY 14
FRI, MAY 16
SUN, MAY 18
April 2025
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7:30 PM / Tuesday , Apr 29
7:30 PM / Wednesday , Apr 30
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
WED, MAY 14
FRI, MAY 16
SUN, MAY 18
WED, MAY 14
FRI, MAY 16
SUN, MAY 18
Artists
Lolita Chakrabarti
Playwright
Ron OJ Parson
Director
Yvonne Miranda
Costume Designer
Spotlight
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