**Drama Productions in Near West Suburbs by Subtext Studio Theatre and Forest Park Theatre**
Omar Vicente Fernandez, a playwright and the artistic director of Subtext Studio Theatre Company, found inspiration for his play, Que Te Vaya Bien, during a Cubs game. The play is set to open in October as part of Destinos, the seventh Chicago International Latino Theater Festival.
Fernandez attended the game alone, stopping at a dispensary next to Wrigley Field on a whim. Feeling a sense of inebriation from picking up a joint, Fernandez was struck by a flood of thoughts during quiet moments of the game when he had no one to talk to. This experience led him to observe the individual conversations of the 30,000 people in the stadium, each dealing with their own issues.
After the game, Fernandez went home and began writing the first scene of Que Te Vaya Bien, a play centered around a Mexican American father and his lawyer son navigating generational trauma against the backdrop of a Cubs–Brewers game. The choice of the Milwaukee Brewers in the play holds symbolic significance related to alcoholism, a theme explored in the storyline.
Que Te Vaya Bien is the second production of Berwyn-based Subtext Studio Theatre in Destinos, following the success of their previous play, “The American Dream” by Juan Ramirez Jr. The play marks a significant expansion for the company, moving beyond their familiar locations in Berwyn and neighboring Oak Park.
Founded in 2021 by Fernandez and a group of University of Illinois Chicago theater students, Subtext has seen growth with well-received productions like “Qualia,” a sci-fi piece performed at the Madison Street Theater in Oak Park. Their participation in Destinos is a testament to the hard work put in by Fernandez and his team.
Despite initially pursuing a career in premed, Fernandez’s love for theater drew him back to the stage. His involvement in theater dates back to middle school when he accidentally stumbled into a drama club, sparking a passion that eventually led him to establish Subtext Studio Theatre.
On the other hand, Forest Park Theatre, founded by UIC faculty member Richard Corley in 2021, began as a small company specializing in outdoor Shakespeare performances in Forest Park. This season, they are transitioning from staged readings to full productions at the Madison Street Theater in Oak Park, featuring English translations of classic works by Molière and Sophocles.
Corley’s vision for Forest Park Theatre involves building an ensemble of actors who excel in using language to convey the essence of classic texts while maintaining a contemporary sensibility. The company’s recent productions of Measure for Measure and Pericles have garnered acclaim, showcasing the talent and dedication of the ensemble.
The upcoming productions of Wilbur’s translation of Molière’s The Misanthrope and Pound’s adaptation of Sophocles’ Elektra reflect Corley’s commitment to bridging the gap between past and present through American poetic translations. The season marks a bold move for the young company, driven by Corley’s passion for bringing classic works to a modern audience.
Both Subtext Studio Theatre and Forest Park Theatre represent the vibrant theater scene in the near west suburbs, with a focus on innovative productions that blend tradition with contemporary sensibilities. As these companies continue to grow and push boundaries, they embody the spirit of creativity and artistic exploration in the Chicago theater community.
