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Award-Winning Play “Panther in the Sky” Comes to UIC Library for Powerful Two-Day Series on Gun Violence and Disability JusticeCHICAGO, IL — The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) will host a vital two-day event series on April 13 and 14, 2026, featuring a panel discussion and two special remount performances of the acclaimed play, Panther in the Sky. Written by Lani T. Montreal, the production was recently recognized as a finalist for “Best New Play” in the Chicago Reader’s 2024 Best of Chicago Awards. The events are free and open to the public; advance tickets are required for performances due to limited capacity.
Artists
Cast: Jamia Amira Taylor, Gabby Muralles-Ball, Nina Mae Vidal Howard, Aaron Ortega, Shawn Kyle Tampengco, Jonathan Riley
Director: Jonathan Riley
Stage Manager and Tech Operator: Lo Coffman
About the Play
Originally written in response to the 2009 surge in Chicago shootings, Panther in the Sky follows grieving mothers and young men navigating the afterlife. The work serves as a testament to the power of empathy, bridging Chicago’s neighborhoods and academic spaces to confront the realities of loss and inspire collective healing.
Event Details
Venue: UIC Library, Room 1-470
Dates: April 13–14, 2026
Cost: Free admission; tickets required for performances
Accessibility: CART, ASL Interpretation, and Audio Description provided as noted below
Schedule
Monday, April 13 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Panel Discussion: Gun Violence, Disability, and Mental Well-Being
Focus: Scholars and community leaders will discuss how trauma uniquely affects disabled survivors and their families through the lens of disability justice and public health.
Access: CART services provided; a light community reception will follow.
Tuesday, April 14 | 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Performances & Actor Talkbacks
Two full stagings of Panther in the Sky followed by moderated discussions with the cast.
Access: ASL Interpretation, CART, and Audio Description will be available for both showtimes.
Community Partners
This spring tour is a collaborative effort aimed at fostering dialogue across diverse communities. Presented in partnership with UIC 's Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD), Institute on Disability and Human Development, Disability Cultural Center, Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago Library, Bodies of Work Co/Lab, The WAANT Program, CIRCA-Pintig, Corners: Center for Food Equity & Medicine, Chicagoland Disabled People of Color Coalition, DHD‑USA, Digital Tapestries, and additional campus and community collaborators
Content Advisory
This event includes discussions and artistic portrayals of gun violence, loss, and trauma.
Tickets and Information
Tickets: Free; advance reservation required for performances
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/panther-in-the-sky-at-uic
About the UIC Library Series
By bringing this conversation into the heart of the university, the UIC Library and its partners aim to create a space for shared reflection and community storytelling at the intersections of disability justice, community health, and the arts.
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Event Venue
Richard J. Daley Library, UIC, 801 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Tickets
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