Part memoir, part history lesson, and part urban planning critique, Fifth City Revisited explores the creation of healthy, thriving communities and the scale necessary to sustain them. Through dance, storytelling, and multimedia, Meida Teresa McNeal considers the significance of Fifth City’s story amid city planning systems that have nearly erased its achievements. In an era of renewed interest in grassroots change and neighborhood investment across Chicago’s West and South Sides, this performance asks: “What lessons does Fifth City offer us today?”
The October premiere will feature a filmed version of the performance alongside a Fifth City Revisted online exhibition that explores West Side community histories and creativity curated by Adia Sykes and Victoria Sockwell.
Two conversations will also bookend the viewing including community voices committed to a revitalized, well-resourced West Side:
Pre-screening Conversation @ 5pm: “Imagining Fifth City: Building community power and city visioning strategies.” Moderated by Mary Scott Boria with panelists Lilly Fox, David Weathersby, and Keli Stewart
Post-screening Conversation @ 8pm: "Fifth City’s Future: Visions of Westside flourishing.” Moderated by Meida McNeal with panelists Alexie Young, Spankey Davis, Stephanie Jeter, and Vanessa Stokes .
