Hillside's Linda Bannon in Cast of Divercity: Real Life Stories

"Divercity: Real Life Stories,” is a series of engaging solo performances by adult writers, actors, and advocates with physical disabilities. Each one was developed in the “EveryBody Has a Story Master Class” taught by Tekki Lomnicki, Artistic Director of Tellin’ Tales Theatre. Linda Bannon of Hillside is one of the performers.

The show runs at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln, Chicago on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at 7:30pm and on Sunday, April 28 at 3pm. General admission is $20; students and those with disabilities is $15 and "I Love Tellin' Tales" ticket is $25. Tickets are available at Greenhouse Theater.

Tekki, herself a person with a disability, says “Throw away any preconceived notions you have about disability because these performers demonstrate that, though they are different in appearance and physical ability, they show how alike we all are when we share our stories.” Each writer/performer mined their experiences to bring out the deep truths that make us all human.

Often hilarious with a touch of the bittersweet, this show takes diversity and inclusion to a new level. ASL interpretation, audio description and talk back are happening on Sunday, April 28.

The cast includes Linda Bannon of Hillside, Amy O'Brien of Downers Grove, Ladonna Friedheim and Ben Saylor of Chicago and Julie Tessier of Minneapolis.

The production staff includes: Stefan Brun, lighting designer; Charlotte Brown, stage manager; Carl Ulaszek, set designer; Natalia Fregonesi, house manager; Danny Smitherman, videographer.

For more information about Tellin' Tales Theatre, go to www.tellintales.org.

Divercity: Real Life Stories is sponsored by The Chicago Community Trust, Access Living of Chicago and The Bryant-Richards Family.