Queer Lines, a show produced by artists Jenn Freeman ( aka Po'Chop ), Andy Bellomo ( aka O.Snap! ), Tiff Beatty, and Emily Claibourne, returns Friday, Nov. 24, at Chicago Art Department, 1932 S. Halsted. Doors open 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.
Jenn Freeman made her debut as the burlesque artist Po'Chop in 2010 and has built a repertoire that sparks conversations regarding notions of gender, sexual prowess, and race. Po'Chop uses elements of dance, storytelling, and striptease to create performances that are described by Chicago critics as "… the most provocative symbol of might on stage." Her work can be viewed at www.itspochop.com .
Tiff Beatty is a Chicago Humanities Festival programming curator, spoken word performer, and self-described People's Champion. In 2011, Beatty launched her annual bonfire cypher series, Art Is Bonfire, a fire, poetry, and sacred ritual performance. Tiff's programming efforts for CHF are currently mentioned here: www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-chf-belief-preview-20171010-story.html .
Andy Bellomo is a visual artist, educator and performer. She has been creating public art in Chicago for more than 10 years, performs as a drag king, and teaches public art to teens. Her work can be viewed at www.andybartworks.com .
Emilly Claibourne has a BA in Theatre from Columbia College Chicago and has been a part of the Chicago theatre scene for more than a decade, doing everything from acting to producing to directing.
Together, this team is collaborating on Queer Lines, an annual performance event that sparks conversations surrounding queer identity. Utilizing spoken word poetry, drag king performance and live music, this investigative project is a multi-disciplinary experience that creates space for honest and celebratory conversations regarding the queer and gender nonconforming experience. Drag king and spoken word performance together structure an evening for queer and gender-nonconforming people and their families.
Featuring performances from: Switch The Boi Wonder, Nikki Patin + Marta Cook, Po'Chop, Bella Bahhs, Niki Gee, O.Snap!, Tiff Beatty, Nova Sparx, Roman Empire, Lilly Rascal, Music x DJ Dapper, Photography x Tori Brown Rice, Promo Design x Chi Nwosu.
Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/539595756372997/ .
Or purchase tickets directly at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3127807 .