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Theatre Tue May 29 2012
My Kind of Town Opens Conversation on Corruption with the Experts and the Victims
Ah Chicago! A town with many proud legacies; from championship sports teams, to shiny bean-shaped monuments and deep dish pizza, it's truly one of a kind. However, woven among the cultural tapestry that comprises Chicago, is the dark, blood-stained thread of corruption. It's a tradition well documented with every imprisoned official and unearthed scandal. TimeLine Theatre Company's new drama, My Kind of Town, reflects some of that seedy underbelly in its humanizing story of injustice, torture and innocence. The company is also offering several platforms for communal discussions with experts about today's culture of law and order as a whole.
Written by veteran investigative journalist John Conroy, My Kind of Town revolves around one imprisoned man's fight for justice. The play is inspired by real-life stories of victims, police officers, prosecutors and families who've been affected by allegations of torture and corruption.
On June 10 the Sunday Scholars Series will host a free post-show discussion about the play and its themes. Show-goers and the general public are welcomed to engage with a panel of experts, which will feature Rob Warden, Executive Director of Northwestern University's Center for Wrongful Convictions. As an investigative journalist in the 1980's Warden exposed more than 20 wrongful convictions in Illinois, saving innocent men from undeserved penalties and in six cases, from death sentences. The panel will also include a few of the men who have been wrongfully convicted due to police torture.
On June 25, John Conroy will take the stage. Joined by Rick Kogan of WGN 720AM Radio and the Chicago Tribune, Conroy will open up about the development of his first play. Before taking the role of playwright, Conroy served as an investigative journalist covering the Chicago police torture scandal for more than 20 years. He became one of the leading voices drawing attention to the charges and his experiences fueled his work for the stage.
Both the Sunday Scholars Series and Conversation with John Conroy are free and open to the public, but reservations are recommended. For tickets to the show or reservations for a discussion, call the TimeLine Theatre Box Office at 773.281.8463 x6 or email boxoffice@timelinetheatre.com.
