Chopin Theatre is an independent performing arts venue located in Wicker Park, Chicago. Reopened in 1990 by Zygmunt Dyrkacz, a Polish immigrant, the theater has become a significant cultural hub known for its eclectic programming and commitment to avant-garde and experimental performances. Since 1990, Chopin Theatre has hosted over 2,100 presentations as well as its own productions, ranging from theater and dance to music and literary events. The venue is particularly renowned for showcasing international works, especially from Eastern Europe.
According to the Theater Historical Society of America, the Chopin Theatre building opened in March 1918, was designed by architects Worthmann & Steinbach and operated by Victor Bardonski as a 546-seat nickelodeon theater. In 1926 it was renamed the Harding and seating was expanded to 987. By 1932 it was again called Chopin Theatre but in 1948 underwent another name change to Pix Theater. Currently it has 226 seat Mainstage, 176 Studio Theater, Coffee house and Lounge. The building is located across the Polish Triangle in the area once called Polish Downtown
In 1990 the ruined theater, located then in one of the most dangerous parts of Chicago, was purchased by the Dyrkacz family and began operations as At the Gallery Theater presenting also Visual Arts. After separation in 1992, the theater was managed by Zygmunt Dyrkacz. In 1994, the name was changed back to Chopin Theatre. In 2001, Zygmunt was joined in the endeavor by Lela Headd. In 2018 the theater became a not for profit organization.
From 1990 to 2024, Chopin Theatre has presented or produced over 2,100 different events in theater, literature, music, dance, and film simultaneously across two stages, sometimes ten per week. Illustrated in roughly a thousand reviews, media features and hundreds of awards and honors available at Chopin Theatre Archives. During this time Chopin Theatre has hosted artists from 49 different countries and has been home to 62 festivals.
September 12, 1990: The theatre opened its doors with the multimedia saga âÂÂAmerican Wayâ about the assimilation of Polish immigrants. Directed by Thomas Masters with choreography by Shawn Coyle. Done with no restrooms and electricity corded from the next building.
1991: Nicole Dreiske production of George TabouriâÂÂs âÂÂPeepshowâ directed by Henryk Baranowski received the Jeff Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Play.
Chopin Theater becomes, for the next 19 years, theater headquarters for Around the Coyote Arts Festival presenting 10 short plays daily. The fest contributed to Wicker Park becoming one of the hippest neighborhoods in the U.S. and attracted 100,000 people to Wicker Park.
- New Crime Productions presents Hunter S. ThompsonâÂÂs âÂÂFear and Loathing in Las Vegasâ directed by John Cusack and Steve Pink starring Jeremy Piven, Bill Cusack and Paul Quinn.
1992 "Body Politic makes a slick comeback with 'Fashion' - Richard Christiansen
late 1993-1997 Financial and parenting needs led renting most of theater to Chicago Filmmakers for workshops and weekly screenings including annual International Gay & Lesbian film festival
1994 debut of Trap Door theater with Stanislaw WitkacyâÂÂs âÂÂMadman and the NunâÂÂ
- CriticâÂÂs Choice for the US debut of âÂÂZielnikâ by Scena Plastyczna KUL directed by Leszek Madzik and produced by Chopin Theatre. The performance, âÂÂWilgocâ was also presented.
2000: The television series *Early Edition* used Chopin Theatre extensively to tape âÂÂThe PlayâÂÂs the Thing,â in which the main character, Gary, saves an actress from a falling light during a theater rehearsal. See the website for the video.
2023: Sweeney Todd, the Musical by Kokandy Productions was nominated for 16 Non-Equity Jefferson Awards and received 6 including: Best Production, Best Director, Actor in Principal Role, Actress in Principal Role, Supporting Performer and Musical Direction.âÂÂTeatro VistaâÂÂs The Dream King received 10 Equity Jefferson Award nominations and received 8: Best Production, New Work, Performer in Principal role, Scenic Design, Sound Design, Lighting Design, Original Music and Artistic Specialization
In 2005 Zygmunt Dyrkacz was honored for his contributions to theater by being selected to PerformInkâÂÂs "People Making a Difference in TheaterâÂÂ. Later that year, Chopin Theatre received its 3rd consecutive Best of the Year Theater award, this time its production of La Luna by Teatr Cogitatur. Prior years were for Four Dreams of Holderlein and Aztec Hotel, which marked the troupeâÂÂs American debut. In 2010 Chopin Theatre was selected as a âÂÂChicago Venues that Matters the Mostâ alongside such iconic places as Art Institute of Chicago, Civic Opera House, Steppenwolf Theater and Pritzker Pavilion. In 2012, during the NATO Summit held by US President Obama, Zygmunt was presented High State Decoration for Promotion of Polish Culture by Polish President Komorowski. In 2022, Chicagoans selected Chopin Theatre as one of the Best venues for Theater behind Steppenwolf and Goodman. And in 2024, Chopin Theatre was selected as Best Storefront Theater Incubator specifically, âÂÂChicago has earned its reputation for adventurous stage productions that lure audiences well beyond downtown. But even the most enterprising theatergoers may not know whatâÂÂs worth checking out. One solid rule of thumb: See whatâÂÂs playing at the Chopin TheatreâÂÂ.