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Main Stage Events 

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Written and directed by Rueben D. Echoles 

Produced by eta Creative Arts Foundation, in association with EcholesINK

A Lot to Unpack is a one-act comedy about Reality Television host Dr. Naomi Macintyre, who is getting married, and her television network decides to pay for the wedding with one catch: she must plan the whole thing in one week and allow cameras to follow her every move. Chaos ensues when her family and friends reveal some secrets that have the potential to rip this marriage apart.

 

Run time: 90 minutes 

Previews: April 16 & 17 at 7:30 pm &  April 18 at 3:00 pm

Opening Night: April 18 at 7:30 pm

Run: April 18 - April 26, 2026 ( 2 weeks) 

Showtimes: Friday - 7:30 pm; Saturday - 3 pm & 7:30 pm; Sunday - 2pm and 6pm

Tickets:

General Admission $30.00

Premium/ VIP seating - First 3 rows: $40.00

Senior Tickets: $25.00

Group Ticket sales for 10 or more - Call the Box Office

  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Apr 16
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Apr 17
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Apr 18
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 18, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Apr 18
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Apr 19
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 19, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Apr 19
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 19, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Apr 24
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Apr 25
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 25, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Apr 25
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 25, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Apr 26
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 26, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026
  • A LOT TO UNPACK
    A LOT TO UNPACK
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Apr 26
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    Apr 26, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    April 16 - April 26, 2026

Theater Production Rental
(non-affiliated)

When eta is not producing its own productions, our 200 seat theater is available for rental. These rentals operate independently of eta's programming, branding, and management, but align with eta's mission of elevating the voices of Black playwrights, ensuring our space is open to the community, and that we continue to tell our story in "first voice" - even when it's not an eta production. 

* These ticket sales are NOT managed through eta's box office. Eta's established discounts, including but not limited to group, senior, student, subscription services or membership discounts do not apply to independent production rentals utilizing our space. 

*These ticket sales are managed independently and separately from eta Creative Arts Foundation. You will be routed to a third-party ticketing website and any refunds or ticket disputes must be resolved with the independent producers of the applicable production. 

Hear My Cry


Written by Larry Smith
Directed by Gabrielle Lavigne

 

 Hear My Cry is a moving and emotional stage play that shines light on the silent battles many women face. This production tells the story of strength in the middle of suffering, faith in the middle of fear, and hope in the middle of pain.

 

Through powerful storytelling, heartfelt performances, and raw emotion, Hear My Cry invites the audience into the realities of struggle, survival, and healing. This is more than a play. It is an experience that speaks to resilience, womanhood, community, and the power of being seen and heard.

 

Come support an unforgettable evening of theater, purpose, and impact.

Presented by Reality Shift Productions in partnership with Males with a Plan.

Dates & Showtimes: 

Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 6:00 pm

Sunday, May 10, 2026 - 2:00 pm 

  • HEAR MY CRY
    HEAR MY CRY
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, May 09
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    May 09, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM CDT
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    When tragedy strikes, a family is forced to confront pain, truth, and the strength it takes to heal... Some wounds speak... if you're willing to listen.
  • HEAR MY CRY
    HEAR MY CRY
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, May 10
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    May 10, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDT
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    When tragedy strikes, a family is forced to confront pain, truth, and the strength it takes to heal... Some wounds speak... if you're willing to listen.

TRAUMA ATTRACTION

 

2025 A Taste of Theatre Playwright Award

Written and directed by Benaiah Link

Trauma Attraction Play is a powerful, immersive theatre experience that invites audiences to confront fear, explore healing, and witness the strength of the human spirit. This emotionally charged production creates a safe, supportive environment where storytelling meets transformation.

Run time: 90 mins

Dates & Showtimes:

Friday, May 15, 2026 - 7 pm

Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 7 pm

Sunday, May 17, 2026 - 5 pm

  • TRAUMA ATTRACTION
    TRAUMA ATTRACTION
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, May 15
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    May 15, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    Winner of A Taste of Theater 2025
  • TRAUMA ATTRACTION
    TRAUMA ATTRACTION
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, May 16
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    May 16, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    Winner of A Taste of Theater 2025
  • TRAUMA ATTRACTION
    TRAUMA ATTRACTION
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, May 17
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation
    May 17, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
    ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, USA
    Winner of A Taste of Theater 2025

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Address

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Chicago, IL, 60619

Phone

(773) 752-3955

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Fridays 10am-4pm

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