A family's creative legacy will take the stage at Chicago State University when lecturer and performer Earle Chisolm-El stars in Two in the Backroom, written by his late father, Earle Chisolm. The performance is part of a free theatre program scheduled for November 12 and 13, 2026. The event is presented by the Department of Theatre at Chicago State University and is directed by Professor Sean Parris.
The program pairs Two in the Backroom with Tear Gas, a play written by India Nicole Burton. All performances are free and open to the public, inviting community members, students, faculty, and staff to attend. The combined program runs no longer than one hour and 15 minutes.
Set in a bar in the 1970s, Two in the Backroom brings audiences into a conversation between two people. Chisolm-El performs the lead role of TC, bringing his father's words to life while introducing the work to a new generation of theatregoers. The play serves as a tribute to the late Earle Chisolm and highlights the intergenerational connection in the family's creative work.
Tear Gas centers on a group of teenagers confronting a tragedy that changes their world. Together, the two productions reflect the program's theme, which is described as Two One-Acts, One Stage, Different Worlds. The juxtaposition of the two one-acts offers a diverse range of theatrical experiences within a single evening.
The performances will take place at Chicago State University in Douglas Hall, Room 116, which houses the Black Box Theatre. The specific address is 9501 S. King Drive in Chicago, Illinois 60628. The venue is accessible to the public, and no ticket purchase is required for admission.
The performance schedule includes two shows on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A third performance is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. These times allow for both daytime and evening attendance options for interested audiences.
Media interviews and additional background information are available upon request from Professor Earle Chisolm-El. The department encourages coverage of this event to highlight the work of local playwrights and the continued presence of classic one-acts in contemporary university theatre programs.
The event stands as a significant cultural offering in Chicago, combining historical drama with modern storytelling. It provides an opportunity for the public to engage with the artistic legacy of the Chisolm family while experiencing the fresh perspective of India Nicole Burton's work.
