March 16 - 29, 2020

March 16 - 22, 2020 Vol. 28 No. 11

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Calendar

See what Chicago has to offer!

SportsWise

Debating NCAA men's basketball.

Cover Story: Time to travel

COVID-19 be damned! It is that time of year when many Chicagoans get the itch to travel. To help plan your summer vacation, we have street paper vendors from around the world sharing their favorite places, hot tourist spots, and hidden gems to help you make the most memorable visit to their home cities.

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From the Streets

15

The Playground

Congo Square Theatre's "Day of Absence" explores racial bias when all of the black and brown members of a southern town go missing.

Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher

dhamilton@streetwise.org

StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI

Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief

suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Amanda Jones, Director of programs

ajones@streetwise.org

Julie Youngquist, CEO

jyoungquist@streetwise.org

LEARN MORE AT streetwise.org

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Navy Pier photo

Chicago Flower & Garden Show: See March 18-22

MARCH 18 - 22

Flower & Garden Show When: Wed - Sat 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. What: Experience every facet of horticulture by walking through gardens, participating in DIY workshops, learning from educational seminars, enjoying garden-to-table cooking presentations and more. More info and a list of the special events at chicagoflower.com. FREE.

MARCH 18 - 22

Comedy Film Festival When: Various Where: Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. What: The Chicago Comedy Film Festival's mission is to support comedy as a vital and influential art form. The festival showcases films that range from low budget to studio quality. Some events are free, but the screenings are $12, and a full festival pass is $75.

More info and a list of showings at chicagocomedyfilmfestival. com.

MARCH 19

Talk It Out: Beyond the Binary When: 3 p.m.

Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. What: This is the first event of the #TalkItOut series sponsored by the Chicago Foundation for Women. This event will take a

fresh look at some of the most pressing issues facing women, girls, trans, and gender nonbinary people in Chicago today and will look at bold avenues for making progress in addressing those challenges. More info at cfw.org. FREE.

MARCH 19 - 22

'La Bayadère' When: Thurs & Fri 7:30 p.m.; Sat 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m.

Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive What: American Ballet Theatre presents this full-length ballet is a story of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance and justice.

Tickets start at $50 at auditoriumtheatre.org.

MARCH 19 - APRIL 5 'Cooking with Bubbie' When: Thurs & Sat 7:30 p.m.; Fri 1:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m.

Where: Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie What: Internationally acclaimed actress Francine Berk returns as America’s most famous grandmother: The Bubbie. At a taping of her TV cooking show, Bubbie will share her recipes for brisket and hamantaschen (cookies), while entertaining viewers with comedy skits and original songs. $45 at skokietheatre.org.

MARCH 20

The Robert Cray Band When: 8 p.m.

Where: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501

Skokie Blvd., Skokie What: Robert Cray has been bridging the lines between blues, soul and R&B for the past four decades. With five Grammy wins, a Blues Hall of Fame induction, and as an Americana Lifetime achievement award winner, Cray has created a sound that derives from American roots and arrives today both fresh and familiar. Tickets start at $40 on northshorecenter.org.

MARCH 20 & 21

The Queer Landscape When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave. What: This dance show highlights the intricacies, growing awareness and history of oppression of the LGBTQ+ community. Tickets are $25 at the door or $19 in advance at danztheatre.org.

MARCH 20 - 22

Winning Works When: Fri 7:30 p.m.; Sat 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m.

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. What: The Joffrey Academy of Dance presents four world premieres from the winners of the tenth annual Winning Works Choreographic Competition: Chanel DaSilva, Tsai Hsi Hung, Pablo Sánchez and Durante Verzola. $30 at joffrey.org.

Villain Arts Tattoo Convention When: Fri 2 p.m. - 12 a.m.; Sat 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont What: This event will have artists and vendors, entertainment, tattoo contests, seminars and special guests.

There will also be after-parties.

Tickets are $22 for one day or $45 for a three-day pass. More info at villainarts.com.

Eric Roberson When: 8 p.m.

Where: City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. What: Grammy Award-nominee, singer, songwriter and producer Eric Roberson has broken boundaries as an independent artist. He has received many awards and nominations for his music. Tickets start at $45 on citywinery.com.

MARCH 20 - 30

Chicago Cabaret Week What: Cabaret has been at the heart of Chicago’s nightclub scene for more than a century.

Venues around the city will bring artists and their personal renditions of the Great American Songbook, blues, jazz, burlesque, pop, comedy and Broadway. Schedule at chicagocabaretweek.org.

Ticket prices depend on the show, and start at $10.

MARCH 21

Silk Poems When: 4 p.m.

Where: Wrightwood 659, 659 W. Wrightwood Ave. What: Join Wrightwood 659, the Smart Museum of Art and the Poetry Foundation for a program featuring a live reading of the book “Silk Poems” by artist and poet Jen Bervin, as well as an exclusive tour of the current art exhibit "The Allure of Matter." Make your reservation on wrightwood659. org. FREE.

MARCH 21 & 22

West Loop Spirits, Wine and Beer Festival When: Sat 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington Blvd.

What: This event features fine chocolate and artisan specialties, along with live entertainment to benefit Chicago Canine Rescue. Tickets start at $10 on chocolatewinespirits. weebly.com.

MARCH 22

Shamrock Shuffle When: 9 a.m.

Where: The Loop, starting and finishing in Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St. What: Tickets start at $25 for the mile, $35 for the 2-mile and $55 for the 8K. Participants are not required to run. Schedule of

events and more information at shamrockshuffle.com.

Tchaikovsky Discovers America When: 3 p.m.

Where: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie What: A Classical Kids Live! and Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra performance based on historical events: the story of the great composer’s arrival in New York for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891. Tickets start at $14 on northshorecenter.org.

MARCH 22 - APRIL 5

Macy’s Flower Show When: Mon - Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Where: Macy’s, 111 N. State St. What: Embark upon an underthe-ocean odyssey, discovering long-lost treasures and aquatic beauty in Macy’s State Street.

The “Voyage to Oceanum” show goes deep into the worlds of underwater plants and sea creatures. Find a list of events at macys.com/s/flower-show.

FREE.

MARCH 23

Who Represents Us?: Andy Warhol’s Ten Portraits of Jews of the 20th Century When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Spertus Institute, 610 S. Michigan Ave. What: In this once-controversial

series, Andy Warhol memorialized luminaries of modern Jewish culture. He depicted them in his signature pop-art fashion, splashed with color and shapes, blurring boundaries between art and commerce. The exhibition will be open until September 21, but reserve a spot for the opening reception on spertus. edu. FREE.

MARCH 24 - APRIL 12

'My Fair Lady' When: Various Where: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. What: This play tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady” - but who is really being transformed?

Tickets start at $27 on broadwayinchicago.com.

THROUGH MARCH 30

Rev. Martin L. Deppe Exhibit When: Mon - Thurs 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri & Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun 1 - 5 p.m.

Where: Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. What: Rev. Deppe’s social justice activism began in the 1960s when he aligned his church with the civil rights and antiwar movements. He joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as one of the founding ministers with their Operation

Breadbasket program. Attend this exhibit to learn all about him and his activism. Chipublib.org.

FREE.

THROUGH APRIL 12

'School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play' When: Various Where: The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. What: As the reigning queen bee at Ghana’s most exclusive boarding school sets her sights on the Miss Universe pageant, a new student unexpectedly changes the game. This show spotlights the universal similarities - and glaring differences - of teenage girls around the globe. $20 at goodmantheatre.org.

'What the Constitution Means to Me' When: Various Where: Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. What: This boundary-breaking play breathes new life into the Constitution and imagines how it will affect the next generation of Americans. The tour stars Tony-nominated actress Maria Dizzia (from "Orange Is the New Black") and features original Broadway cast members Mike Iveson and Rosdely Ciprian.

Tickets start at $31.50 on broadwayinchicago.com.

-compiled by Rachel Koertner

The Queer Landscape by Chicago Danztheatre: See March 20 & 21

What the Constitution Means to Me: See Through April 12

Danztheatre photo

Courtesy photo

www.streetwise.org

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Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

SPORTSWISE

Discussing NCAA Men's Russ: Hello, everybody. I’m hosting today’s edition of SportsWise. We have three of our guys discussing NCAA men’s college basketball.

John: Let’s talk four bubble teams. First up, the Marquette Golden Eagles. They’ve lost four of five games and are, overall, 18-10 (8-8 in conference). They don’t have many key wins other than a January 4 victory over Villanova and a win over USC. They do have a few key losses with Providence the main one, which could prove to be huge. Their next two games are against DePaul and St. John’s; they must win these two games and go deep into the conference tournament in order to make it. In the ACC, North Carolina State has lost four of six. To make the tournament, NC State will have to pretty much run the table. Third up is UCLA from the PAC-12.

With their 18-12 record (9-10 in the ACC), they may miss the tournament, despite being a formidable opponent based on some good wins: Arizona, Arizona State and Colorado.

In the SEC, Florida is another team on the bubble. Donald?

Donald: This week is going to be ramped, what with everything that’s going on with March Madness. Conferences all over are preparing for their individual tournaments in preparation for the official tournament. The SWAC, the American East, which has that type of team (e.g., Vermont) that could compete in and win the play-in game, the Big 10 (with its 14 teams), etc.

Duke, I don’t know what the problem is there, but there is good parity going on within the NCAA, so I’m definitely looking forward to a li’l Madness.

Patrick: What’s moving me the most about the current AP Top 25 rankings is that the Big Ten is represented throughout. Maryland is the highest-ranked Big Ten team at #9, but, then, after them, there are seven more Big Ten teams, including the Fightin’ Illini, who narrowly won a conference game against Indiana recently—a boon to its tournament goals. The competition level in-conference should help the Big 10 as playing a team from another conference could be a pushover and, plus, because the Big Ten is always “there,” a

basketball highlights

championship is never out of reach for any of them. Also, I love that the teams populating the top aren’t full of the usual suspects. Of course, we see Kansas at the top, Gonzaga in the cut, ready to strike like always, but then we have teams such as Dayton, San Diego State, Creighton, etc. I’m excited for the Madness.

John: Kudos to Illinois as they should be a lock to make the tournament, something they haven’t done in a long time.

Also, while watching a game, I heard an announcer state Indiana was considered a lock.

To me, they’ve lost too many tough games—losing six of its last nine. Donald?

Donald: Schools continue to fail the players by not teaching them how to be students.

Many leave early and never

graduate, which is unfortunate. It makes for a somewhat watered down—yet still exciting—tournament, but also sets up some for disappointment in their quest for the lights of the NBA. Patrick: Good point, Don. Quick mention: Hearing that Indiana was a lock did throw me a bit, but it’s always tough to figure, so I guess we just wait.

Russ: Good job, fellas. Here on out, we’re going to try new things—some head-to-head, guest appearances, perhaps even random quotes from you the customer. Speaking of, if you have a thought, a physical reaction, whatever, please drop a note to pedwards@ streetwise.org. We’d love to hear from you.

TIME

TO

TRAVEL:

compiled by The Big Issue UK / courtesy of INSP.ngo

Travel Tips from Street Paper Vendors Around the World

Top Left: Meridian Park (Brian K. photo). Top Right: Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin (Celebrate DC photo). Bottom Right: G & M Seafood's famous crab cakes (Yelp photo).

Background: Celebrate DC photo.

WASHINGTON, DC

Wendell Williams, Street Sense vendor Wendell Williams, 68, is a vendor of Street Sense in the US capital. He says: “As I battled to right my life and stay sober, Street Sense gave me a vehicle to support myself and live independently. The papers helped keep a roof over my head and paid my living expenses while I went back to school.”

Why I like living in Washington, DC Not only is DC my home – I’m a fifth-generation Washingtonian and my family goes back to the 1860s in this area – but it is just a beautiful, lovely city. It is really easy to navigate and get around. For a visitor, you can see so many museums, performances and nature areas for almost nothing, if not for free. Not to mention the nearby mountains and coast only a short drive away.

How to escape city life Right in the middle of the city you’ll find Meridian Park (known as Malcolm X Park to some). This park is a miniature version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. From here, you can see all of Washington, DC, from the monuments to the Capitol, to the views of northern Virginia and the airport. Also try the United States Botanic Garden, just southwest of the US Capitol. You feel like you’re in a tropical forest or jungle.

Insider tip Somewhere every visitor to the city should go to get a feel for DC and its people is Busboys and Poets. You can get a good sense of the mix of people who inhabit the DC area along with excellent food and drink. The owner makes a point of hosting events such as open mic nights, book talks, art exhibits and social justice forums.

Best for tourists

Best place to eat

Every visitor should spend at least a day or two walking the National Mall, which stretches from the United States Capitol in the east all the way to the Lincoln Memorial at the west. Adjacent to the mall are even more sights and destinations like the Holocaust Museum, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Corcoran Gallery, Constitution Hall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate can be reached by a scenic river cruise down the Potomac, or it is also a short taxi ride from Alexandria, Virginia, near Reagan National Airport.

G&M Seafood is between DC and Baltimore off the BW Parkway. It has what Maryland says is the best crabcake in the state at a very reasonable price.

My favorite time of year in DC In spring, DC is alive with colors and smells. There are hundreds of parks, both big and small, located in neighborhoods throughout the city as well as on official government property.

With places like the Tidal Basin surrounded by the Japanese cherry trees, DC is awash with color in the spring.

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Top Left: A performance during Festspiele courtesy photo). Bottom Left: Georg and Evelyne on their wedding day (Apropos photo). Top Right: Dance moves to impress in Lehener Park (Celeste Bar photo). Bottom Right: Mozartkugeln chocolate balls (Furst photo). Background photo: Justin Kragg.

SALZBURG

Georg & Evelyne Aigner, Apropos vendors Georg and Evelyne Aigner sell Austrian street paper Apropos.

“It has turned my life around,” says Georg. “My wife and I visit schools and universities to talk about the street paper and poverty in Salzburg.” Evelyne adds: “My self-confidence was built up with the help of Apropos, and we are somehow a little famous now in the city.”

Why we like living in Salzburg Georg: We grew up here and I love every stone of Salzburg.

Most of the people here are friendly, peaceful and always ready to help.

Evelyne: It is a beautiful city where living is pretty good, and it is not as big as Vienna.

What every visitor must do Georg: What Salzburg is most famous for is Mozart, Festspiele [a classical music festival] and Mozartkugeln [a chocolate ball].

On one side it is an accurate image of the city, because the portrait of Mozart is omnipresent in the city, but this glamorous image belies that there is poverty in Salzburg as well. Every visitor should go to Mozart’s birthplace [Hagenauer Haus], the Salzburg fortress, and the old town by day and by night.

What to do without spending money Evelyne: Walking along the river Salzach is free and beautiful in every season. From Makartsteg, which is a bridge, you can enjoy the famous view of Salzburg with all the huge baroque buildings and the fortress above them all.

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Georg: A very nice thing to do is walking up the beautiful mountains Kapuzinerberg and Mönchsberg. On days with clear weather you can even see far out to the countryside and to the east of Germany. With the mountains we have nature in the midst of our city; from the Apropos office, which is located at the foot of the Kapuzinerberg we sometimes see chamois, squirrels and lots of different birds.

Best place to eat Georg: There is a restaurant called Schmankerl, which means “speciality” in Austrian dialect. You can eat inexpensively ($5.73 USD for a vegetarian or meat dish), which is not common in Salzburg. Our favorite café is the bakery Resch & Frisch.

Evelyne: You can borrow a book in the library next door and then read it while drinking good coffee in a warm atmosphere.

Georg: Salzburg is also known for its culinary delicacies. Some of them are known around the world…

Both: Wiener schnitzel, salzburger nockerl (soufflé), sachertorte (chocolate cake), kasnockn (dumplings), and more!

How to escape city life Evelyne: We do not have to go far; we walk around Lehener Park. If we want to go a little bit further away from the city we drive to DaxLueg with our moped. It is a restaurant on a hill 6.2 miles away from Salzburg.

Our favorite time of the year Georg: In spring you can feel how the trees live and the plants start to grow again - I like that very much. And autumn because the fruits on the trees become ripe and the leaves change their colors. Both times are also good to drive with the moped.

Top Left: The Old Castle Stairs. Top Right: Pedal boats on the Vltava River. Bottom Right: The interior of the famous Café Slavia. (All photos from amazingczechia.com) Background photo: Dmitry Goykolov on Unsplash.

PRAGUE

Slavko Ševcík, Nový Prostor vendor Slavko Ševcík, 55, has lived in Prague for 36 years. Slavko has vision problems, which make it difficult for him to find work, so he began selling Czech street paper Nový Prostor seven years ago. “The magazine's sales help me exist, but also mentally,” he says. “I realize that even a person with such a disability can have a decent job.”

Why I like living in Prague I not only love its beauty and culture, but also the comfort it offers. It is important for me that Prague is accommodating for people like myself who are handicapped and therefore require everything to be as simple as possible. Prague offers comfort and convenience. Everyone will also love the cultural diversity here. One can go to exhibitions, events and performances.

You never get tired of anything; every day you will be surprised by something new.

Not in the guidebooks Prague hides many secret places that you will not learn about in guidebooks. For example, under the Petřín, a hill in the center of Prague, where I once ended up by mistake, I found secret places. There is a beautiful garden behind one of the walls. You will also find a hidden garden in the Third Courtyard of Prague Castle, where plants from across the world are preserved.

The best café If you ever come to Prague, it would be a sin to skip Café Slavia, located opposite the National Theatre. Founded more than a century ago, it is an important part of our history. The unique fountain, which adds pizzazz to the place, has been preserved in the entrance. Be sure not to miss it while visiting. And don't forget to order pancakes! You will be absolutely satisfied.

My favorite place to eat I have a lot of favorite restaurants all over Prague but if I can recommend the best one, it is U Seminaristy. It is located right in the center, and besides having excellent cuisine, you can sit on their terrace, which is open all year round. It is all wooden and decorated with dozens of flowers. If you come there in the summer, you feel that you are in a charming garden, not in the middle of the city.

Don’t miss I like the unique view from the Old Castle Stairs, which you could never get tired of. You can enjoy a completely different view of all the buildings that are otherwise in alignment. Then you can rent a pedal boat and ride on the Vltava River. You can go to the Zoological Garden or around Hradčany, the Castle District. What a view!

To escape city life I recommend everyone buy some goodies, like sausages, then go to Modřany Gully. There are public barbeques so you can cook anything you like. You are in amongst nature, but at the same time close to the city. You can enjoy time with friends at the campfire, enjoying a warm meal, and it is just beautiful. www.streetwise.org

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Top Left: Surfers at Surfers Paradise. Center: A shopper at Carrara Markets. (Both photos Tourism Australia.) Right: The Pantry Cafe (courtesy photo). Background photo: Tourism Australia.

GOLD COAST

Mark, Big Issue Australia vendor My name is Mark and I’m 58. I come from Melbourne originally, but now Burleigh Heads is my home. I’ve been living around the Gold Coast since 2002. I moved here for the weather, and my mum. I love it here – I couldn’t bear to go through another Melbourne winter.

Since selling The Big Issue, I have found that I can budget my money better now. I can even afford to take Mum out to lunch occasionally. It has helped me to come out of my shell, and nowadays I can have a conversation with just about anyone and feel all right about it.

What's to like I like living in Burleigh Heads because of the village atmosphere. The people are really nice to me, so friendly and welcoming. People think of the Gold Coast as busy and flashy, but this is the real Gold Coast. Laid back, peaceful, clean and family friendly.

Best spot Well, there are theme parks – Movie World, Sea World and the other one – but somewhere every visitor to the city should go is the top of Burleigh Hill on Goodwin Terrace, and take in the view all the way to Surfers Paradise. It’s a great spot for photos; take a coffee with you and just relax. I meet some old blokes there in the early morning and we watch the surfers and the sunrise while enjoying a coffee. It is so peaceful, and it is such a great start to the day.

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Best bites My favorite place to eat is The Pantry Cafe on Connor Street, Burleigh Heads – it has the best vegetable omelette ever invented! They are lovely people there.

The beaches If you like the hustle and bustle, which a lot of people do, Surfers Paradise beach is nice on a Friday night – they have markets, a nice beach and lots of places to eat. Other good beaches are Tugun and Palm Beach. And Paradise Point is somewhere I’d recommend. There’s a massive park and BBQs.

On a budget The Carrara Markets are on a Saturday and Sunday. It’s a tourist market, but a lot of locals go there for bacon and eggs and cheap watches, sarongs, bric-a-brac...things like that. I take my 91-year-old mum there, and she loves it. It’s fun.

Out of town To escape city life, I go to down to Lennox Head or Byron Bay, which can be a bit New Age but has nice, friendly people and a lovely coastline.

When to visit My favorite is autumn, because it's cool in the morning and evening and really pleasant during the day.

Top Left: Grassmarket Community Project (courtesy photo).

Center: Social Bite (courtesy photo). Right: Edinburgh Military Tattoo (photo by Flickr user Jason Bea). Background photo: John K.

EDINBURGH

George Whyte, Big Issue UK vendor George Whyte is originally from the English/Scottish Borders but has lived in Edinburgh for more than two decades. August is when the world comes to town for the International Festival and Fringe, so George gives us his top tips.

Why I like living in Edinburgh It’s full of history. People from Edinburgh are very friendly.

They always speak to you. Different places are within easy travelling distance. I like doing a bit of walking now and again.

I think nothing of jumping on a bus and going 150 miles for a walk. I think the festivals are very good because it’s making money for the city. But they need a separate pavement for tourists. I usually go and watch some of the street performers because it’s free. Until they start asking for money.

How to escape people giving out flyers I always take to Arthur’s Seat. All the way to the top. I just have to remember to take my pen with me because it’s got the undertaker’s name on it. But it’s not that hard a climb. There’s a path all the way up. It’s one of the best vantage points to look over the city, right down East Lothian and across the water to Fife.

The best thing to do in August I would say the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the number one thing for me. I was there on the first night this year. There was not an empty seat. I’d last been in 1987. It was entirely different

then, mostly military displays, but they don’t do that anymore.

It’s young girls in their kilts, brass bands, drums, bagpipes. I enjoyed it. I filled my phone full of photos. There are fireworks every single night. I couldn’t take pictures of them because I’d run out of space on my phone.

My top tip Carrubbers Christian Centre on the High Street turns into a cafe in the evenings for six nights over two weeks; they call it ‘There Is Hope.’ I think during week two, for the last three nights, a guy called Steph MacLeod will be singing. He’s an ex-alcoholic, drug user and homeless guy and his music is all about his life. It’s a free venue and family friendly.

Best places to eat and drink I’ve got two. The Grassmarket Community Project is overrun by tourists at the moment. They’ve got a full kitchen. I’d have to recommend the fishcakes. And I like the bacon and egg rolls at Social Bite in the morning. I met Harry and Meghan there when they visited early in 2018. I thought I was going to get into trouble because of the question I asked her – if she was casing Edinburgh Castle out for a wedding venue.

What to do if it rains There’s plenty of places you can go for shelter: The National Gallery off Princes Street, and I like the National Museum of Scotland. There are different exhibitions all the time. They’ve got a full-size racing car that belonged to Jackie Stewart, and Dolly the sheep. For a dead sheep I think she looks very much alive.

www.streetwise.org

11

Left: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (Wikipedia photo).

Top Right: Pantip Plaza (courtesy photo). Bottom Right: Tuk-tuks take passengers around the city. Background: the Chatuchak Market with Bangkok's skyline in the rear. (both Explore Thailand photos).

BANGKOK

Pat, Big Issue Australia vendor Sawasdee ka! My name is Pat. I am 58 and started selling The Big Issue in Perth, Western Australia, when I was struggling to get a job. I soon realized that this is indeed the right job for me!

It’s great work that helps me pay my rent, and I love the people in Perth: they’re very generous. In March I visited Bangkok, in my home country of Thailand, after my mum passed away last year. If you’re thinking of going to Bangkok yourself, here are my tips for a great trip.

Getting around The Skytrain and the subway are quick, cheap ways to get around the Bangkok central business district. Fares start from 16 baht (51 cents USD) and increase by two or three baht per stop. It’s also easy to get to the international airport by train, and taxi fares are very cheap! Or to get around, try tuk-tuks, which are around the same price as taxis.

Tech heaven Pantip Plaza is Bangkok’s number one tech mall. Across five levels it has a wide range of computers, cameras and any electronics you want. There are very competitive prices, and you can try your hand at bargaining in many of the shops. Many of the stalls there can even issue you documents that you can use to claim tax refunds for tourists at the international airport on your way home.

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Catch some culture The Thailand Cultural Center provides educational activities through performing arts, various activities and a cultural library.

Or, you can head to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, a treasured, world-class national center that stores some of Thailand’s precious stories. It’s open all year round and can comfortably accommodate up to 6,000 people.

Head to the market Chatuchak Market is the world’s largest weekend market. It has more than 15,000 stalls spread across 34.5 acres and has everything from food to fashion, art to antiques and more. It’s full of crazy cheap prices and new ideas. You can shop till you drop — definitely! You can taste a lot of Thai food here at Chatuchak, also known as JJ Market.

Out of town Fruit farms in the southeast, around three hours’ drive from Bangkok, are worth a visit. You can escape for a break among a variety of fruits, like mangosteen and durian. The price includes accommodation, breakfast and a tour of the farms. You can pick your own fruit fresh off the trees! Delicious.

When to visit Any time of year is a great time to be in Bangkok. Keep a sharp eye out for cheap flights – it’s a really bang-for-your-buck holiday.

A CHICAGO STAYCATION

Debbie Booker, StreetWise Vendor Debbie Booker, 49, was born in Mississippi, but grew up in Chicago and has lived here for the last 40 years. She has been selling StreetWise for seven years and loves it - she says there are so many dogs that love her and go straight to her backpack for treats when passing her selling spot.

Tips for first-time visitors

Come buy a magazine from me! I sell at Whole Foods on Halsted and Waveland. StreetWise always has a list of events, saying everything that’s going on in the city. There’s always something happening - parades, festivals, concerts, all that stuff. And it’s all so much fun!

Favorite places to go

I love Navy Pier and the rides there, the beach and riding my bike along the lake, and looking out at the water. Plus, I love going to Lincoln Park Zoo to see all the animals. There are also lots of great farmers' markets where I love to get good fruit and vegetables. Just make sure to go in the spring or the summertime, those are the best times to come to Chicago!

Plus, I love the Cubs, everyone should come see the Cubs!

Good places to eat

I recommend the Hing Wang Restaurant (1120 W. Wilson Ave.), which is a Chinese place right around the corner from the current StreetWise office. I love their fried rice. Also, Uptown Pizza & Barbeque is good, and close to the current StreetWise office as well.

Fun things to do

There are so many things to enjoy in Chicago. I like the singing festivals, indoor and outdoor. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I like to get hot chocolate from Starbucks. I also like to go see the Chicago White Sox. Fishing, boat riding, jogging, going out to eat, going dancing, going roller skating - there’s so much to do here in Chicago!

Left: Hing Wang restaurant, 1120 W. Wilson Ave. (Yelp photo). Right Top: Wrigley Field. Right Center: Navy Pier. Bottom Right: Lincoln Park Zoo. Backgrond: Chicago Skyline. (All Choose Chicago photos).

- by Rachel Koertner

www.streetwise.org

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'Day of aBsence' addresses racial bias in shocking and often hilarious ways

by Rachel Koertner

Douglas Turner Ward’s “Day of Absence” artfully and unapologetically sheds light on America’s notions about relationships between people of different races. This play skillfully put together lights, sound, choreography and more to draw audiences in and force them to confront the racial divide in society. Congo Square Theatre should be proud of this production.

StreetWise was invited to see the show on Monday, March 2, at Victory Gardens’ Richard Christiansen Theatre. Right away, the lights and set were very intriguing. The show is about a community who faces the sudden disappearance of all their black and brown citizens, and the turmoil that results.

Despite the heavy undertones, the play is extremely funny and stingingly satirical. There was laughter in the audience throughout the whole play, and it was well deserved.

Ward called this show a reverse minstrel show because of the use of whiteface, which is a little ironic for this storyline. This concept was shocking at first, but soon the intent came through. It was very clear that Ward understood the tendencies of humanity, as the dialogue gave meaningful insight.

Also, the technical elements of this play worked well together and added a lot to the show, and the transitions were very clean and well-rehearsed. This production was a well-oiled machine, with each person knowing exactly what they were supposed to be doing.

FROM THE STREETS

This extremely clever play was very thought-provoking. It demonstrated how this issue of racial injustice has been a problem throughout history, but is also still a problem today. It forces people to confront their biases, no matter how uncomfortable, and does so unapologetically.

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One scene in particular really showed the two-faced nature of many people in the midst of this social justice issue. It had a mob of people protesting with signs. One side of the signs had the nicer things that many people say, and the other side had the cruel truths behind those words, which are often revealed later. It confronted society’s hypocrisy. Actors Jordan Arredondo, Ronald L. Conner, Meagan Dilworth, Ann Joseph, Bryant Hayes, Sonya Madrigal and Kelvin Roston Jr. did each scene well, showing their flexibility since they all had to play multiple roles.

Director Anthony Irons’ note in the program says that this play is “a ‘Power to the People!’ message. It’s a reminder to the laborers, the workers, the domestics, society’s unseen and unheard that great power lies within them, and when there is common, yet determined purpose, the unseen and unheard can harness that power to great effect.” This powerful play has existed for many years, so one must ask Congo Square Theatre - why put this on now? Irons says: “This being an election year, the urgency of the times seems to demand vociferous participation. It is not enough to sit on the sidelines.”

The urgency and call-to-action mentality permeated every element of this production. Everyone involved should be proud of the work that they did.

This show runs until March 22 at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets start at $35 on victorygardens.org/event/day-of-absence.

Ronald L. Conner, Ann Joseph (Top), Jordan Arredondo, and Meagan Dilworth (Below) in "Day of Absence." (Congo Square photos).

Streetwise 1/13/20 Crossword numbers 1 to 9.

Sudoku

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the

Crossword Across

©2020 PuzzleJunction.com

9 Sicilian resort 34 Condition of city being notched 10 Level 36 Roomy 11 Fair attraction vehicle 14 French 39 Tournament possessive passes 15 Surprise word 41 Extradite 16 Movie studio 44 Tropical need lizards 23 Alpha’s 47 Curved wn opposite 51 French 1 Withers 25 Moore of G.I. farewell Jane 2 Cast out 52 King or queen 3 Capone 28 Oklahoma 53 Decorated, as nemesis city a cake 29 Source 4 Over (Poet.)

54 ___ Zeppelin 5 Molded, as 30 Sea eagles 55 Big fuss metal 31 Followers 56 Buckle holder (Suffix) 6 Cookie 57 Lamb alias 7 Tenant 32 “___ stop 59 Cairo’s river 8 Moscow now!”

61 Corn units Copyright ©2020 PuzzleJunction.com resident or 33 Kett of the 64 Enlisted folks isinglass comics (Abbr.)

6 Jai ___ 7 Cattail, e.g.

8 The Joy Luck Club author, Amy 9 Fewer 0 Big ___, Calif.

1 4 7 10 13 14 15 16 17 19 21 22 23 25 27 30 32

Copyright ©2020 PuzzleJunction.com

©PuzzleJunction.com

Last Week’s Solution Puzzle Answers

Solution

33 34 36 38 40 41 46

Sudoku Solution

51 52 54

Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at www.streetwise.org

55 56 58 59 61 63 65 68

Amniotic ___ Notes after dos Cattle genus Asian language Ref’s ruling Bring to bear Monopolist’s portion Eccentric Treeless plain Blood sugar Door sign Montmartre locale The “A” of ABM Tournament rounds Give a hand Witherspoon of “Vanity Fair” Party preparation Cattle controller Cash in, as a coupon Countermanded Rule opposed

by Gandhi Body of water Bilateral Wall Street figure Musical show Is no longer Sleep annoyance Belgian river Reminders Warm-hearted Force back Recipe direction Drink water Painkiller Marker

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69 Long-jawed fish 70 James Whitcomb Riley’s “___ I Went Mad” 71 Listening device 72 Compass pt.

73 Noisy trains 74 New Deal org.

75 Bathroom installation Down 1 Ave. intersectors 2 Rap sheet letters 3 Desired 4 Pipsqueak 5 Old laborers 6 Scorched

7 Celtic instruments 8 Cantina cookers 9 Epithet 10 Relaxes 11 Handbills 12 Horatian work 18 Biscotto flavoring 20 Autumn drink 23 Airport abbr.

24 Formerly known as 26 Russian orbiter 28 Big heart?

29 Marshaled 31 Out of this world 33 Phobias 35 Certifiable 37 Check for accuracy 39 Ring merchants 41 Strive

42 First name in horror 43 Like some payments 44 More likely 45 Public works project 47 It’s just over a foot 48 Furniture protectors 49 Sea eagle 50 McCarthy quarry 53 Goal-oriented activity 56 Nickel, e.g.

57 Beach 60 Use a beeper 62 Brainchild 63 Hasten 64 Pointer’s direction 66 Brief time out?

67 Victorian, e.g.

How StreetWise Works

Our Mission

Orientation Participants complete a monthlong orientation, focusing on customer service skills, financial literacy and time management to become a badged vendor.

Finacial Literacy Vendors buy StreetWise for $0.90, and sell it for $2. The profit of $1.10 goes directly to the licensed vendor for them to earn a living.

Supportive Services StreetWise provides referrals, advocacy and other support to assist participants in meeting their basic needs and getting out of crisis.

S.T.E.P. Program StreetWise’s S.T.E.P. Program provides job readiness training and ongoing direct service support to ensure participants’ success in entering the traditional workforce.

THE PLAYGROUND

To empower the entrepreneurial spirit through the dignity of self-employment by providing Chicagoans facing homelessness with a combination of supportive social services, workforce development resources and immediate access to gainful employment.

PuzzleJ

Solu

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