Several years ago a rival gang member in the streets of Chicago assassinated my cousin. At his funeral I was confronted by my own past, my own past life in gangs. I feel compelled to share my personal story Where You From? What You be About? with the long term intention of creating healing circles for youth and families who are affected by the increasing violence in Chicago.

This workshop performance will be the first time I materialize what’s been only on paper to the stage.

Directing Where You From? What You be About? is award winning director Edward Torres; a friend and mentor from Chi-Town who has directed for The Public, Second Stage, Steppenwolf, and Goodman to name a few.

DJ Jonathan Hogstad will be on stage spinning the one’s and two’s with video projections.

Lighting design by Abigail Hoke-Brady

www.ericaviles.com