Featured
Is This Your Show?
Submit Updates & Sell More Tickets
THE REAL BLACK SWANN: CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN at Open Space Arts
Dates: 7/18/2025 - 7/27/2025
📍 Theatre: Open Space Arts
1411 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 7732933682
Tickets: 30.00
Share
Les Kurkendaal-Barrett presents a solo performance that brings to life the story of William Dorsey Swann, the first known drag performer and queer activist in U.S. history. Set against the backdrop of the 1880s, the show intertwines Swann's legacy with Kurkendaal-Barrett's personal experiences as a Black, gay artist, exploring themes of love, visibility, and identity. Through a mixture of storytelling and theatricality, the performance reflects on the fight for recognition within marginalized communities and the significance of reclaiming erased narratives. The production runs from July 18 to July 27 at Open Space Arts in Chicago.
THE REAL BLACK SWANN: CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN at Open Space Arts Schedule
Cast and Creative Team for THE REAL BLACK SWANN: CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN at Open Space Arts
Cast
Les Kurkendaal-Barrett
William Dorsey Swann
Creative Team
Les Kurkendaal-Barrett
Creator and Performer
David Zak
Executive Director
Adam Weinstock Productions
Presented in association
News About THE REAL BLACK SWANN: CONFESSIONS OF AMERICA’S FIRST BLACK DRAG QUEEN at Open Space Arts
We have no news on this show at the current time.
About the Theatre
Similar Shows Nearby
Open Space Arts Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows have played recently at Open Space Arts?
Smiley (06/05/26-07/19/26)
BALLATA FEMMENELLA (06/01/26-06/30/26)
My Life as a Cowboy (01/23/26-03/01/26)
DORIAN (11/28/25-12/21/25)
Dorian (11/28/25-12/21/25)
Gangsta Baby (09/19/25-10/19/25)
Scandalous Boy (05/23/25-06/28/25)
it's been ten years since everyone died. a play about final girls (03/21/25-04/19/25)
BALLATA FEMMENELLA (06/01/26-06/30/26)
My Life as a Cowboy (01/23/26-03/01/26)
DORIAN (11/28/25-12/21/25)
Dorian (11/28/25-12/21/25)
Gangsta Baby (09/19/25-10/19/25)
Scandalous Boy (05/23/25-06/28/25)
it's been ten years since everyone died. a play about final girls (03/21/25-04/19/25)
What shows are coming up next at Open Space Arts?
Where is Open Space Arts located?
Open Space Arts is at 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL.
|
Fleetwood Max Raue Center For The Arts (10/03-10/03) |
|
Love Story: A Tribute to Taylor Swift Raue Center For The Arts (11/07-11/07) |
|
Mean Girls Paramount Theatre (8/26-10/11) |
|
Rotary Rocks The Raue: James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash Raue Center For The Arts (10/24-10/24) |
|
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band Raue Center For The Arts (9/25-9/25) |
|
Blond Ambition: A Tribute to Madonna Raue Center For The Arts (11/07-11/07) |
|
Memphis The Musical Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building (10/24-10/25) |
|
The Little Mermaid: a staged concert Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (1/29-2/14) |
|
Come From Away Marriott Theatre (8/26-10/18) |
|
Northern Lights Wentz Concert Hall (10/11-10/11) |
