- Attraction: The Neo-Futurists
- Location: 5153 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (The Neo-Futurist Theater)
- Industry: Experimental Theater, Performing Arts, Comedy Club
- Website: https://neofuturists.org/
Experience groundbreaking experimental theater with The Neo-Futurists, a legendary troupe captivating audiences from their own theater in Chicago’s vibrant Andersonville neighborhood.
This ensemble is renowned for their unique aesthetic of honesty, speed, and brevity, performing 30 short plays in 60 minutes in their signature show, “The Infinite Wrench.”
It’s more than just a performance; it’s an unpredictable, live encounter where actors play only themselves and everything truly happens in the moment.
Performance & Aesthetic Highlights
“The Infinite Wrench” (30 Plays in 60 Minutes): The signature show, “The Infinite Wrench” (formerly “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind”), challenges the ensemble to perform 30 short, original plays in just 60 minutes. The audience actively participates by shouting out numbers from a menu, determining the order of plays and creating a uniquely different show every night.
Non-Illusory Aesthetic: The core of Neo-Futurism is its non-illusory aesthetic: they pretend nothing. Actors play only themselves, and all actions and reported events are genuinely occurring in the “here and now.” This commitment to honesty creates a powerful and immediate connection with the audience, blurring the lines between performer and reality.
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Keep Exploring →Speed and Brevity: Each play is incredibly short, ranging from mere seconds to a couple of minutes, embodying principles of speed and brevity. This rapid-fire delivery keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, constantly engaged and surprised by the quick shifts in tone and topic.
Wildly Eclectic Content: The plays are wildly eclectic, touching on all genres and tones imaginable. They can be political, satirical, deeply personal, tragic, comedic, abstract, musical, or surreal, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of the ensemble members.
Embrace of Failure: A unique and celebrated component of their theatrical philosophy is the embrace of failure. If a play doesn’t land or a prop doesn’t work, it’s often incorporated into the performance, adding to the raw honesty and unpredictability of the show.
Audience Interaction: Active audience participation is integral to “The Infinite Wrench,” as the audience’s shouts dictate the sequence of plays. This direct involvement makes each performance a collaborative and dynamic experience, truly unique to the moment.
Consistently Fresh Shows: Each weekend, a portion of the 30 plays is replaced, ensuring that every iteration of “The Infinite Wrench” is fresh and evolving. This commitment to novelty means that even regulars discover new material with every visit.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Vibe
Electric and Unpredictable: The Neo-Futurists’ theater pulses with an electric and gloriously unpredictable atmosphere, where anything can happen. This energy keeps audiences engaged and fosters a sense of shared excitement.
Intimate and Direct: Despite the rapid pace, the performances create an incredibly intimate and direct connection between the ensemble and the audience. The non-illusory style ensures a raw, personal experience.
Cult Following: The troupe has cultivated a strong cult following, drawing an audience that appreciates their unique aesthetic and commitment to pushing theatrical boundaries. This creates a vibrant, appreciative community within the theater.
Raw and Honest: The vibe is profoundly raw and honest, stripping away the pretense often found in traditional theater. This authenticity is a core appeal, allowing for genuine laughter, reflection, and connection.
Practical Information & Planning Your Visit
Affordable ticket pricing: The Neo-Futurists typically offer affordable ticket pricing, especially for their signature “The Infinite Wrench” show, making experimental theater accessible to a wide audience. Check their website for current prices and special deals.
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Keep Exploring →Late-night performances: “The Infinite Wrench” is traditionally a late-night show, often starting at 11:30 PM on weekends. This unique timing adds to the distinct Neo-Futurist experience.
Reservations recommended: Due to the popularity and intimate nature of the theater, making reservations online is highly recommended, especially for weekend shows, to ensure your spot.
Street parking (can be challenging): Street parking can be found in the Andersonville neighborhood, but it might require some searching, especially on busy nights. Public transportation (CTA Red Line, buses) is a convenient alternative.
Arrive early: Arriving early is advisable to pick up your tickets, grab a drink (if available), and find your preferred seating before the show begins.
Not traditional theater: Go in with an open mind; this is not traditional narrative theater. Embrace the rapid-fire format, the direct address, and the spontaneity for the best experience.
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Discover MoreThe Neo-Futurists
📍 5153 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
