Democracy, AI and human connection at the center of Wirtz Center Chicago’s presenting series
Plays explore some of the urgent cultural questions of our time
CHICAGO –– Northwestern University’s Wirtz Center Chicago, 710 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago is launching a season designed to spark conversation in its 2026–27 Presenting Series starting Thursday, Oct. 8.
The series begins as seasoned artists, audiences and communities grapple with questions about technology, civic engagement, truth and human connection.
Five distinctive works are presented that challenge traditional theatrical forms and invite audiences into unexpected conversations.
The 2026–27 season opens with Eliza Bent’s “(dark) Toilet Fire (matter(s)),” an inventive and irreverent solo work blending ritual, humor and provocation. It runs Oct 8-11.
The series continues Oct. 15-16 with acclaimed performer Dan Hoyle’s “Takes All Kinds: Stories of American Democracy.” The production invites audiences to consider how empathy and listening remain essential to democracy.
From Nov. 5-7, Jared Mezzocchi’s “73 Seconds” combines multimedia storytelling and memoir to explore memory, truth and ways personal narratives shape our understanding of the world.
The interactive performance “2021” merges artificial intelligence, video games and live storytelling to examine grief, ethics and the possibilities of digital resurrection. It runs Nov. 12-14.
The series concludes with “Slutbot,” a provocative new work premiering from Wirtz Center’s MFA alumni. Blending dark comedy with intimate storytelling, the production, which runs Dec. 4-6, examines what authentic human connection means in a rapidly changing world.
Tickets and showtimes for Wirtz Center Chicago 2026–27 Presenting Series are available online.