Thank you for your interest in attending Sunset 1919: A Ritual. Due to an overwhelming response, at this point, the event is at capacity and we are no longer accepting RSVPs.
By establishing an artistic ritual featuring music, movement, art and word, Lookingglass Theatre commemorates the start of the 1919 Chicago race riots, incited by the tragic murder of Eugene Williams, a Black teenager stoned to death after drifting into a “whites only” section of Lake Michigan. Sunset 1919 is meant to peacefully honor the lives of Black humans impacted by the deadly racial attacks that swept the nation that summer, the roots of which stretch back across centuries, and the fruits of which we continue to pluck – a moment in an unbroken line.
The ritual will last approximately 40 minutes.
Getting There and Parking
The site is accessible by foot, chair, bike, motor vehicle, and public transportation. It is located roughly .3mi north (along the Lakefront Trail) of the 31st Street Beach main entrance. If driving, paid parking is available at the site location in the lot between Fort Dearborn Drive and the Lakefront trail (accessible by turning north from 31st Street). Paid garage parking is also available at 31st Street Beach (from which attendees would walk/wheel approximately .5mi northward on the Lakefront Trail to reach the site). Cyclists can access the site by biking the Lakefront Trail to roughly 2900 S, however there are no bike racks in the immediate vicinity. If arriving by CTA, disembark at Rhodes & 31st on the #31 bus and walk/wheel (.7mi) east to 31st Street Beach and north along the Lakefront Trail to the site, or disembark at King & 31st on #3 bus and walk/wheel (.9mi) east to 31st Street Beach and north along the Lakefront Trail.
Health and Safety
(Updated 7/26/21) The health and safety of our audiences, artists, and staff are a top priority. Due to the overwhelming patron response, and in accordance with the Chicago Park District Guidelines, we ask that all patrons wear masks regardless of vaccination status. We also suggest bringing your own water bottle as the temperature is said to be in the 90’s.
About The Artists
LEARN MORE
City On Fire: Chicago Race Riot 1919 (WBEZ)
Chicago 1919- Winner of the 2020 Outstanding Public History Project Award National Council on Public History (Newberry)
Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project
Ensuring the Chicago Race Riot Is Not Forgotten (TIME Magazine)
Mapping the 1919 Chicago Race Riots (U Chicago)
Red Chicago (PBS)
The Red Summer of 1919 (National WWI Museum and Memorial)
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Chicago Center for Youth Violence Prevention
Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project (CRR19)
Firebird Community Arts
SPECIAL THANKS
Ensemble Member Mara Blumenfeld
Chicago Park District
Flowers For Dreams