Description:

Synopsis: Four mothers (through mostly monologues) are coping with the loss of their sons to gun violence. The sons meet in the afterlife and grapple with the reality of their abrupt demise. Written by Chicago Artist Lani T. Montreal.

Cast of Characters:
MOTHER-TOYA - 35-50-year-old Black woman; working class

MAMI-SANDRA - 35-50-year-old Mexican woman; undocumented waitress

NANAY-JACKIE - 35-50-year-old Filipino woman; caregiver/nanny

MOMMA-WANDA - 35-50-year-old Black woman; adult student; working class

EDDIE/YOUNG MAN 1 - 18-20-year-old Latino youth

DAVID/YOUNG MAN 2 - 18-20 -year-old Asian-American youth

JAMES/YOUNG MAN 3 - 18-20-year-old Black youth

MICHAEL/YOUNG MAN 4 - 19-21-year-old Black youth

All cast members are expected to play more than one role. The young men, in particular, will be assigned adult male roles as politicians and Chicagoans.

Singing and movement experience, such as viewpoints, Laban, or dance, is preferred.

Must be comfortable with the topic of the play and open to post-show discussions.

More about the "Panther's Development:
"Panther in the Sky" has had several readings at Howard Area Community Center, Insight Arts, and Malcolm X College. Excerpts of the play have also been performed at different venues, among them at visual artist Cesar Conde's exhibit in 2016 called "The Bang Bang Project," which was his response to the issues of police brutality and racism in the judicial and police system, and at Chicago Danztheatre's "Art.Heals." in May 2022. CIRCA-Pintig Executive Director Ginger Leopoldo noted, "At every reading and performance, the diverse audiences, many of whom impacted by gun violence, gave positive feedback and believed the play should be shared with a wider audience."

Audition, performance, and rehearsal location: Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, 1650 W. Foster, Chicago, IL 60640

Stipend: $300 plus a portion of the ticket sales