CHICHO is a one man-boy show written and performed by rising star Augusto Bitter (Iphegenia And The Furies (On Taurian Land), The Monument, Rope Running Out, Our Town) and directed by award winning director Claren Grosz (Shadow Girls, Persephone, MACBETH). Augusto Bitter is a Venezuelan-born performer and theatre creator based in Toronto. He has been named on three consecutive NOW Magazine lists of theatre artists to watch (2016, 2017, 2018) and his much-awaited full length play premiers following sold out workshop presentations at Aluna’s CAMINOS Festival, the Rhubarb Festival and Passe Muraille’s BUZZ series.

Loosely based on Bitter’s own experiences as an immigrant, the titular character of CHICHO is a queer-Catholic-man-boy from Venezuela hilariously attempting to feel beautiful despite his internally warring identity politics. In a rollercoaster performance exploring a diasporic experience, Chicho meticulously presents the disparity between his own Queer-ibbean coming-of-age journey in Canada and the worsening socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela.

As part of an initiative to build awareness of the emergency in Venezuela and to follow through with practical action, the companies will be raising money for Venezolanos Por La Vida— an organization that collects and safely delivers medical supplies for Venezuela— throughout the run of the show. In addition to collecting donations nightly, a benefit performance on March 13 will feature a pre-show discussion with Rebecca Sarfatti of Venezolanos Por La Vida and be catered by Arepa Cafe, a Venezuelan restaurant. 100% of that evening’s proceeds will go to the organization.

The run of CHICHO also features an Audio Described Performance on March 23 at 2pm and Relaxed Performances each Sunday at 2pm. Relaxed Performances are specifically adapted to relax the traditional rules around silence, darkness, and stillness in the audience and ensure a more accessible environment for individuals living with autism, sensory and communication disorders, parents with babes in arms, and anyone else who would welcome a more relaxed environment.

CHICHO
Written and Performed by Augusto Bitter
Direction by Claren Grosz
Sound Design by Deanna Choi
Assistant Sound Designer Frank Incer
Lighting Design by Giuseppe Condello

March 7-24, 2019 in the Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace,16 Ryerson Ave
Previews March 7-10 at 7:30pm
Opening Night March 12 at 7:30pm
After opening, the show runs: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30pm; Sundays 2:00pm+ Saturday March 23 2:00pm

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:
Catered Preamble March 13 at 6:45pm: Rebecca Sarfatti from Venezolanos Por La Vida will discuss the current crisis in Venezuela and what we can do to help. The event will be catered by neighbouring Venezuelan restaurant, Arepa Cafe. All ticket sales from this night will be donated to the organization.

Post Show Q+A March 14
Catered Post Show Q+A March 17
Relaxed Performances Sundays at 2:00pm
Audio Described Performance with post-show Q+A March 23 at 2:00pm

TICKETS:
General Admission: $33
Senior: $28
Arts Worker: $25
Under 30: $17
Previews: $22.50
Previews Under 30: $15

Weekend Matinees: $22.50 in advance OR pay-what-you-can in person

By Phone: 416.504.7529 | Online: www.pencilkitproductions.com
The Arts Box Office, located at 16 Ryerson Avenue, is open in person Wednesday-Friday from 3pm-6pm, Saturday and Sunday on performance days starting at noon.