A Chicago Fringe Festival one-person show has sparked controversy and led to some Jefferson Park residents saying they plan to protest upcoming performances, according to a Facebook event posting.
The play, A Virtuous Pedophile, is scheduled at the Gift Theatre on Aug. 31, Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.
Fringe festivals are known for their uncensored and unusual performances. The Chicago event opened the application process to performers from around the world, who were then chosen by lottery.
Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago)
Several Facebook posts indicate some Jefferson Park residents are venting their ire at 45th Ward Ald. John Arena for supporting the festival. Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) has also been tangentially connected to the event through his wife, Sharon Martwick, who serves on the theater's board.
The performance bears a one-line description on the Chicago Fringe Festival’s website: “Can liberals accept that pedophilia is a legitimate sexuality?” It will be a solo drama performed by tds from Phoenix, Arizona, and has a rating of PG-13.
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