CHICAGO PREMIERE
Directed by Kezia Waters

Jul 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025

Thursdays at 7pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm
3611 W. Cermak, Chicago, IL 60623

 

Videography by Jabari Khaliq


Critics' Pick! "Howze's exciting piece is a savage burlesque,
a clear-eyed bouffon treatment of war."
- Time Out New York

SUMMARY

Here, at the corner of a country that feels both foreign and familiar, three orphaned, stateless youth have built a simple life out of recreation and mischief-making. Their world is rocked as a parade of immodest strangers slowly invade, offering gifts of language, medicine, art, and commerce. As the lure of development blurs their beliefs, life and landscape mutate, threatening their long-held values, community, and humanity. In a comic spectacle to challenge the pretense of altruism and civilization,
Frontieres Sans Frontieres asks what happens when generosity looks a lot like self-interest?
How to comprehend when the promise of language matures to the tyranny of words?
Who wins and who loses in a war to hold on to the people and places we love?

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom



Notes from Director
/ Theatre Doula/o Kezia Waters:

Phillip Howze’s play Frontieres Sans Frontieres is about three orphans navigating the abstract yet familiar world called, “here”—a place shaped by the imperial systems of education, healthcare, media, and even theater itself. Through the lens of absurdism and dark comedy, Frontieres Sans Frontieres asks the audience to confront how these systems shape our values, our relationships, and even our bodies. This play reflects on how soft power has built the worlds that we assume have been around forever, but what happens when we begin to pull the loose ends of these fragile structures of reality? Ok, now take all of that but make it funny!!!

There’s resistance in how we remember things, there’s imagination, there’s a spark of something ancient and wise—embodied knowledge, art, presence—that reminds us we weren’t always THIS way. Humans are not wired THIS way, and therefore there is also resistance in how we forget things.

The questions at the heart of this play are both simple and profound:
What becomes possible when we unlearn? And another strikingly timely question posed by Toni Cade Bambara, “What are you pretending not to Know?”

Phillip Howze is an American writer and theater maker whose works include Self Portraits (BRIC-Arts Media) and Frontieres Sans Frontieres (Bushwick Starr). His plays have been developed or produced at Bay Area Playwrights Festival, Clubbed Thumb, Cutting Ball, New York Theater Workshop, PRELUDE Festival, Public Theater/NYSF, San Francisco Playhouse, Signature Theatre, Theater Masters, and Yale Cabaret.

A graduate of Yale School of Drama, he is a Fellow of the Sundance Theater Lab, a Lucas Artist Fellow at Montalvo Arts Center, a 2021 Jerome Hill Artist Fellow, a MAP Fund grantee, and a Resident Writer at Lincoln Center Theater/LCT3. His commissions include the American Repertory Theater, the Manhattan Theatre Club/Sloan, and Lincoln Center Theater/LCT3. He was recently appointed the inaugural Associate Senior Lecturer in Playwriting at Harvard University’s Theater, Dance & Media program.

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom


CAST:
Tania Musso (WIN) Roesha Townsel (NOON/NOBEL LAUREATE) Carrington Thornton (PAN) Cameron Austin Brown (THOM) Nadia Pillay (WHO, ACTRESS, CLOWN) Terreon Collins (BABY BOO, BACKPACKER, MILITIA, ASSISTANT) Jo JB Schaffer (CIGARETTE MAN, MIME, DEVELOPER)

Lighting Design by Ryan Burkle with technical support from Makoto Yamaguchi, Costume design by Nia Vines with support from Iyanna Harris, Sound Design by Carissa Lee, Set Design by Kezia Waters, Stage Management by Genesis Beecham, acting coaching by Melissa Lorraine, Assistant Direction by Raven Dargan, Production Management by Melissa Lorraine and Deena Eichhorn, and technical support from E.R. Emison.

BIOS:

Tania Gillian Ramirez
(Playing WIN) - Tania Gillian Ramirez, Mexican actress, writer and comedian. Studied Theater, acting and Improv at SAH Academy and local universities. She has been an  active actress in Chicago since 2012. She has worked in different theaters like Aguijón Theater, Water people Theater, Theatre Y and more. Active Ensemble at Theatre Y

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom

Roesha (Ro) Townsel (Playing NOON/NOBEL LAUREATE) - Theatre Y Youth President - Ro (they/them) has been involved with Theatre Y since 2022 when they first opened their youth workshops at The Firehouse Community Arts Center. Since then Ro has performed in “Laughing Song: A Walking Dream”(2022), All 4 editions of “Little Carl”(2022-2024), “The Wiz Walk”(2024), and Jeff award winning “Rhinoceros”(2024). Along with being an actor in these productions, Ro most recently was stage manager for “The End Of Reality”(2025). Before discovering Theatre Y Ro knew they had a passion for performing because of their hip-hop dance group that they have been a part of since 3rd grade called “The Microphone Misfitz”. They have experience with acting, dance, puppets, masks, set design, singing, and now sound and lights (along with prop management and the billion other duties that come with being stage manager). Ro is super excited for this production as this will be their first main character role.

Carrington Thornton (Playing PAN) - Carrington is a multi-talented performer born and raised on the southside of Chicago. She has performed in many school performances, such as their yearly elementary school’s Kwanzaa performance, Chicago High School For The Arts’ curtain calls and showcases, and also at ComplexCon as a part of an art exhibit. She hopes to do more performances centered around Black excellence and empowerment, which is what she has always fought for as a young African American.

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom

Cameron Austin Brown (Playing THOM) - Cameron Austin Brown (he/him) is thrilled to play with Theatre Y for the first time. Recent Chicago credits include The School for Scandal (Idle Muse Theatre Company) and Doctor Faustus (Nonsense Productions). A proud ensemble member of Redtwist Theatre, Brown has also been seen in The Normal Heart and Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus (Redtwist Theatre). Represented by TalentXAlexander. To see more, visit www.cameronaustinbrown.com

Nadia Pillay (Playing WHO, ACTRESS, CLOWN) - Nadia Pillay is a Chicago-based actress and a dedicated company member with Theatre Y for over five years. She is a company member of Proboscis Theatre Company, specializing in devised physical theatre, and MPAACT. Nadia’s expertise also extends to casting, serving as the Casting Director for MPAACT, as well as the Intimacy Director. Her passion for the arts reaches beyond performance; she is a board member and Artist Liaison for Color Me Africa Fine Arts, an organization committed to providing international exposure for African artists from the continent and diaspora.

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom


Terreon Collins
(Playing BABY BOO, BACKPACKER, MILITIA, ASSISTANT) - Actor, artist, designer, & puppeteer. A local artist who pretty much does it all. From his debut performance in 2023’s “We are Proud” to his most recent co leading performance in 2024’s “Rhinoceros”, Terreon has mentored Theatre Y’s youth program, designed costumes, performed masked & body work, written & performed poetry, and many more collaborative projects. With this performance the list of talents continues. Amongst his array of characters, Terreon will be summoning a new skill, singing! 

Terreon has a love for the horror genre, and has a prominent goal to get his name into the ring any way he can. Movies, theatre, voice acting, you name it. If it’s scary, sign em up!

Discopuppet (Late Night Radio Host) - 

Discoppuppet started his creative journey as a shy young boy on the south side of Chicago, the son of a jazz musician and a gospel singer who wrote poetry sitting under the willow tree in his backyard.

He became brave enough to share his gift in high school as a spoken word artist. He collaborated with his musician friends, setting his words to music and birthing his smash hit with Duke Davis, “Pretty Puppet Eyes”.

Discopuppet has produced several house music albums, is a four-time Grammy nominee, DJ and host of the wildly popular “Puppet Throwback” podcast. He’s also an actor, most recently cast in a recurring role on The Black Puppet Show. 

He’s also a writer, mentor and teacher, sharing his wisdom and lending his skills to shape young minds through music and the literary arts.

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom


Jo JB Schaffer
(Playing CIGARETTE MAN, MIME, DEVELOPER) - Jo JB Schaffer (they/he/she) is an interdisciplinary performing artist from the Chicago Southland. Jo is beyond thrilled to be working on this production with Theatre Y and this incredible team! Recent credits include Consuewella: Tryptich in MOVE (actor/assistant director) with Women of Color Productions; REST/REPOSO (actor) with Free Street Theatre and The Nag (director) with Perceptions Theatre. Jo has music available on all platforms under "joJB" and "The Tapestries Collective". Enjoy the show!

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom


PRODUCTION TEAM: 

Kezia Waters - Director: Kezia Waters is an anti-discipline artist whose work is deeply rooted in storytelling. Their practice leans heavily into sonic performance, guided by the principles of deep listening, where body and emotional intelligence hold central importance. Through their process, they engage with the immediacy of the moment, manipulating elements by repeating, elongating, reducing, and expanding them in ways that reflect intuitive response and Jazz sensibilities. Time traveling serves as both a thematic focus and a creative methodology, functioning as a praxis and pedagogy within their work. Allowing them to explore layered temporalities, and blur theatrical boundaries. Kezia’s upbringing under a Black Liberation Theology informs their artistic exploration, even as queerness reframes and reimagines those traditions. They received their MFA in Acting from Ohio University and an MFA in Studio Art from School of The Art Institute of Chicago. They have also served as an Adjunct Professor for Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. They have performed in the Biennale d’art Performative de Rouyn-Noranda of Canada, Dazibao Gallery in Montreal and Recto- Verso in Quebec City and numerous galleries around Chicago. Kezia was a 2023 In-Session Fellow at ThreeWalls, studying the Performance and Folklore of Zora Neale Hurston.

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom


Carissa Lee -
Sound Designer: Carissa Lee is a performance and sound artist. She received her BFA in theater from NYU And MFA from the School of the Art institute Chicago. Her work uses recordings, writing, Black southern culture and voice to materialize emotions ranging from grief to joy.
In addition to being an artist she is a passionate teacher who has worked with theaters and non profits across Los Angeles - helping students of all ages use their lived experience to make performances. She has exhibited and performed in New York NY,  Los Angeles CA, Chicago IL, and Quebec City Canada. She is extremely proud to be a member of Chicago based artist collective Suspended Culture. Thank you Vikas for being by my side every step of the way. Thank you to Kezia and Theatre Y  for giving me the opportunity to bring my sound work to the theater stage.

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom

Nia Vines - Costume Designer: Nia Vines is an industry-spanning creative force-an accomplished actor, visionary director, and skilled costume designer-born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. At 30, she's already making bold strides across stage and screen, weaving her Midwestern roots into every project with vibrancy and grit. Growing up in Columbus, Nia's formative years were steeped in local theater and the city's vibrant arts community. Encouraged by her family and teachers, she explored acting, storytelling, and design from a young age, nurturing a deep passion for visual expression & performance. Drawing on a natural flair for fashion and design, Nia works behind the scenes as a costume assistant and designer. She's credited on productions such as the feature Kombucha (in post-production) for costume approach emphasizes narrative through wardrobe-using fabric, texture, and silhouette to shape character identity and story. Nia's work is rooted in authenticity. Whether curating a wardrobe, directing a scene, or stepping into character herself, she channels her Ohioan upbringing-honest, inventive, and grounded. She's drawn to projects that explore identity, community, and transformation, eager to uplift diverse creatives and audiences alike.

Ryan Burkle - Lighting Designer: Ryan Burkle (he/they) is a Chicago Based Lighting Designer and Technician. They are currently pursuing an MFA in Lighting at Northwestern University and has worked in places like Dallas Theater Center, Trinity Repertory Company, Court Theatre, Opera Saratoga, Watertower Theatre, and more. He is so pleased to be joining Theatre Y for the first time!

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom


Genesis Beecham -
Stage Manager: Genesis Beecham (She/Her) is an actor at heart, with years of theatre experience and a couple of short films under her belt. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts from Eastern Michigan University, honing her skills in both performance and production. Currently pursuing an MFA in Screen Acting at Oklahoma City University, Genesis is expanding her artistic range and storytelling abilities.
Now at Theatre Y, she's ventured into stage management, and it's been an exciting journey. While the stage will always feel like home, she's discovered a surprising love for the organized chaos of running the show behind the scenes. As a first-time stage manager, Genesis has quickly realized that managing the flow of a production can be just as thrilling as performing. Though she's recently dipped into the film world, theatre will always have her heart. Whether on stage or backstage, Genesis is all about the magic of storytelling, just from a slightly different seat this time.

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom


Makoto Yamaguchi -
Assistant to Lighting: Makoto Yamaguchi was born and grew up in Japan. He is a writer, director, and performer. He became interested in acting and took some minor roles in TVs and films in his native country. When he was in a touring theater troupe, he was introduced to American method acting and decided to cross the ocean to learn theater art here. He attended the City College of New York and immersed himself in all different kinds of artistic expressions as well as theater. He has become interested in the physical theater of Jerzy Grotowski and primitive tribal rituals and has been developing a new form of performance called, “Jazz Theater.” He recently performed a solo piece called, HAMLET IN JAZZ, in the Elgin Fringe Festival and often presents his experimentation at the Friday Night Swerve in Theatre Y. He is very grateful to be able to work with all the people in this wonderful Chicago theater and hopes to continue working there.

FRONTIERES SANS FRONTIERES  is presented by arrangement with
Samuel French and Concord Theatricals.

Videography and banner still by Jabari Khaliq

For press inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact: 

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom

Director Kezia Waters: keziawaters013@gmail.com
Managing Director Deena Eichhorn: deenaeichhorn@theatre-y.com 
Artistic Director Melissa Lorraine: melissalorraine@theatre-y.com
info@theatre-y.com/ www.theatre-y.com

Performance Schedule:
July 17 - August 24, 2025 

Showtimes: Thursdays 7 pm,
Saturdays 3 pm & 7 pm, Sundays 3 pm. 

Location: Theatre Y - 3611 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60623 

All performances are FREE to the public thanks to members who donate as little as $5/month ($60/year). We welcome DONATIONS and MEMBERS!

 

Videography by Jabari Khaliq

About Theatre Y:          

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom

Theatre Y is a Chicago-based international incubator that creates connections between diverse artists seeking mutual growth through collaboration. Since 2006, Theatre Y has been a point of convergence for diverse activisms, and all of the uncomfortable conversations that happen as a result. Artistic director Melissa Lorraine and the Theatre Y ensemble are committed to continuously re-thinking the practice of theater as a tool of liberation and a revolutionary practice, bringing Theatre Y to venues ranging from La MaMa’s historical theater to Illinois prisons. Newly and permanently relocated to the West Side (on the border of North Lawndale and Little Village), Theatre Y, now in its 19th year of award winning experimental productions, challenging international content, and a member-based FREE theater model, occupies a unique place in Chicago's theater community. 

More about our history and mission

 

photo Credit: Karl Soderstrom