ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time. To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations of what to do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org
Interactive Digital Fest!
‘The Map of Now’ Lucky Plush Productions pairs the aesthetics of retro video games with a turbo-charged lineup of Chicago dance, theater, music and comedy performers for the company’s next major work, “The Map of Now,” a radically new, interactive digital festival premiering 5 - 9 p.m. June 25 and 26, daily. This festival-style event will be hosted on an interactive online platform called Gather.Town, through which audience members (as avatars) can choose their own adventure on a digital map of Chicago that highlights the richness of Chicago’s performing arts ecology in four performing arts venues across geographically diverse corners of the city. Each venue will be mapped out in a way that accurately represents the physical space in a retro game-like world, and when you find a seat in the venue, you can click on interactive objects that link to performances recorded in the actual venues. The event will explore community connectivity in a brand new way. W hen an audience member’s avatar gets close to someone else on the map, there’s a video chat function that allows them to engage in passing conversations. People can also watch performances together or sign up for guided tours to watch a curated selection from each venue. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, starting at $10 at luckyplush.com/map-of-now. .
Fresh Brewed!
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
Cafe Cortado Chicago's independent coffee shops are some of the most unique businesses in the city with one thing in common: they all serve up a good cup of joe. Choreographer Mariah Eastman seeks to highlight these small businesses that are essential to the surrounding communites by creating pieces to be live streamed from the coffee shops. Starting in Back of Yards, and then commuting to Old Town, doing interviews with baristas and patrons while a dance film plays, Eastman draws inspiration from coffee culture and the shops themselves. Stream live, June 24 at 7:45 p.m., $15 at eventbrite.com
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Activist Theatre!
Moonset Sunrise: A Fundraiser for Collaboraction Theatre Company Collaboraction Theatre Company is celebrating its 25th anniversary at 6 p.m. June 24 at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St. The in-person event is outdoors and socially-distanced, and celebrates the social justice theatre company’s history, present, and future with live performances. Tickets come with a $25+/monthly CollaborActivist membership or are available for purchase for $150, and include dining and beverages. The event will also be live-streamed for CollaborActivist members. Learn more and get tickets at collaboraction.org.
Real Life on Film!
Chicago International Film Festival: ‘Champions’ Marco, an assistant coach in Spain’s top basketball league, has both attitude and anger issues. One night, after a particularly bad game, he finds himself in hot water with the law. In court, the judge sentences him to the worst possible punishment for a man with his oversized ego: coaching a team of young men with disabilities. Through their guilelessness, tenderness, and good humor, they will teach Marco about the things that really matter. This comedy with enormous heart is a celebration of the true champions of life. (Spanish with English subtitles.) Available to stream for FREE for 24 hours starting 6:30 p.m. June 23. Register at chicagofilmfestival.com/film/champions.
