Arts on Chicago | Breaking Ice

Breaking Ice is a program of Pillsbury House + Theatre that uses improvisation and ensemble-based theatre to confront the difficult communication issues that arise from cultural friction. In February of 2013, Breaking Ice customized an entertaining and thought-provoking performance with input from the neighborhood on the relevant issues of race, class, and economics.

For almost 30 years, Pillsbury House + Theatre has been a proud resident in this community, among the most economically and culturally diverse in the region. The Central/Powderhorn/Bancroft/Bryant neighborhoods include significant African American, Somali, Latino, and GLBT communities, yet the physical characteristics of the neighborhoods do not consistently reflect their cultural richness. Many artists live here while making and sharing their art elsewhere.

Like inner-city neighborhoods nationwide, past cultural shifts and policy choices have left the area neglected by planners and investors. This neighborhood, like many city neighborhoods, has seen its share of changes and is facing its own set of challenges. While positive change is welcome, emotions are understandably mixed, especially around fears of displacement and dis-belonging of long-time residents and communities of color.

How can creative activity help to promote well-being in a community scarred by the legacy of racial and economic injustice?
How are we responding to development and change in our neighborhoods?
How do we respond to culture clash and conflict?
How do we cultivate a culture of openness?
How can neighborhoods evolve in economically stable and sustainable ways, while retaining their unique qualities?

This performance offered a chance for community members to have healthy conversations around these tough issues.