Goodman Theatre Returning to Chicago Parks for Free ‘Zulema’ Performances

For the second straight year, Chicago’s Goodman Theatre is puttingon a free summer performance in the Chicago parks, and one of our trailers willbe center stage. Literally.

Sones de Mexico Ensemble's ‘Zulema’ will be performed in 10different parks across the city, beginning Thursday, August 5.

The one-hour production follows the journey of Zulema fromher home in Chiapas, Mexico to Chicago via regional dance and music.

“On a spectacular musical journey of many thousands of miles– from her Chiapas home in Mexico to Chicago – young Zulema zig-zags through theculturally diverse landscapes of her homeland and our fair city along the way,”says the Goodman’s website.

Zulema was written by Dolores Diaz and co-directed byGoodman’s resident artistic associate Henry Godinez and Aguijon Theaterco-artistic director Marcela Munoz. Music direction was provided by Sones deMexico founder Victor Pichardo.

Last year, the Goodman Theatre utilized the same 24-foot stage trailer as its mobile stage for its performance of Cheryl West’s ‘Fannie Lou Hamer: Speak on It’. Atthe time, it was by necessity as the theatre was closed due to the Covid-19pandemic. But it gave residents of the city the opportunity to have a theatricalperformance come to them.

At the time, it was the first post-Covid theatrical endeavorin Chicago authorized by all four unions commonly affiliated with live musicaland dramatic productions.

Now, even with the theatre opened up again, the GoodmanTheatre is taking the show on the road once again.

“Music has the power to build bridges between cultures andgenerations,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “As we spotlight thisimportant artform in your Year of Chicago Music, ‘Zulema’ and other extraordinaryartworks we have in store will help us build stronger relations with oneanother.” 

Following the month-long performance, this trailer will be available to lease by calling Advantage Trailer at 630-524-2029 or emailing justin@advantagetrailer.com. 

Below is a map of the dates and locations of performances. All performances are free to the public.