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Hands Up! Don't Go There—NEIU

  • March 20 - 21, 2026
  • Northeastern Illinois University Stage Center

    3701 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
    Chicago, Illinois 60659
Ticket Price $16.80-$22.05 Buy Tickets
Description

Hands Up! Don’t Go There brings together seasoned performers with and without disabilities to share profound and deeply moving personal stories. The performance explores topics people often avoid—experiences that are difficult, uncomfortable, or rarely discussed, yet essential to name and confront. Through Tellin’ Tales’ unique platform, artists from diverse backgrounds engage in writing, story development, and live performance to illuminate these often-silenced narratives. Plus live music by Elisabeth Johnson, a Brazilian-American violinist, musician, and artist based in Chicago.

NEIU Stage Center
Friday and Saturday, March 20, 21 @ 7:00 pm
Northeastern Illinois University Stage Center
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Building F
Chicago, Il 60625

Live ASL interpretation March 21

Audience Talk Back March 21 after the NEIU performance.

 

Suggested Donation:  $20
Students and People with Disabilities $15 

Date & Time

Mar 20 - 21, 2026

Venue Details

Northeastern Illinois University Stage Center

3701 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60659 Northeastern Illinois University Stage Center
Tellin' Tales Theatre

Tellin’ Tales exists to create a bridge between children and adults with disabilities and those without disabilities through the nurturing and innovative performances of people’s personal stories. This is achieved through mentoring and collaboration. A key goal is to bring together diverse populations all the while helping them to recognize commonalities and build a strong sense of community in Chicago.

What makes Tellin’ Tales Theatre different from other organizations is not only its mission and methodology, but the remarkable balance of volunteers and mentors – with and without disabilities – dedicated to giving children and adults a forum for writing and performing transformative works.

The program is truly unique and its results are life-changing – for the students, the families, the siblings and the audience. At the 20th Anniversary Celebration in May 2016 numerous Six Stories Up “alumni” and siblings returned sharing how Tellin’ Tales has positively impacted their lives, their perspectives and career choices.


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