Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" Comes to Columbia March 15-23, Featuring Exclusive March 22 Blackout Performance

Students in rehearsal for "The Bluest Eye." Students in rehearsal for "The Bluest Eye." Photo by Julie Lucas
Students in rehearsal for "The Bluest Eye." Students in rehearsal for "The Bluest Eye." Photo by Julie Lucas
Students in rehearsal for "The Bluest Eye." Students in rehearsal for "The Bluest Eye." Photo by Julie Lucas
Columbia's Theatre department will stage a powerful adaptation of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," exploring racism's impact on an 11-year-old girl in 1940s Ohio.

Columbia College Chicago is thrilled to present a compelling theatrical adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's literary masterpiece, "The Bluest Eye," directed by Columbia alum Ashley Keys ‘22 and written by Lydia Diamond. This thought-provoking production, produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill., will run from March 15-23, 2024, at The Getz Theatre Center, Studio 404, located at 72 E. 11th Street, Chicago. Tickets are $10.  

"The Bluest Eye" delves into the tragic life of eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove in 1940s Ohio, exploring her quest for love and acceptance amid relentless ridicule and abuse. Blaming her dark skin, Pecola fervently prays for blue eyes, convinced that they will bring the love she craves. Through rich language and bold vision, this powerful adaptation of an American classic examines the profound impact of racism on a community, a family, and an innocent girl. 

On March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Columbia College Chicago will host a Blackout performance, offering an exclusive and purposeful environment for an all-Black-identifying audience. Columbia Theatre Department Chair Jimmy Noriega said, "This is an intentional creation of a space where Black individuals can experience and discuss an event in the performing arts and cultural spaces—free from the white gaze.” 

Audiences can anticipate an emotionally charged and thought-provoking experience as "The Bluest Eye" navigates the challenging terrain of racism and its enduring impact on individuals and communities. 

Tickets for all performances, including the Blackout performance, are available for purchase here. 

Performance Dates
March 13, 7:30 p.m. (Preview) 
March 14, 7:30 p.m. (Preview) 
March 15, 7:30 p.m. (Opening night) 
March 16, 2 p.m.  
March 16, 7:30 p.m.  
March 20, 7:30 p.m.  
March 21, 7:30 p.m. (American Sign Language performance) 
March 22 10 a.m. (Student matinee)  
March 22, 7:30 p.m. (Blackout performance) 
March 23, 2 p.m. 

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