As part of its efforts to offer the newest and best of Jewish oriented works, Arts Judaica will present a staged reading of the new play FREE RADICALS by Adam Pasen on Tuesday evening, October 28, 2025, at the Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago. The play begins on an EL platform in Chicago in the 1920s, as a young Jewish woman escaping communist Russia meets the progressive American son of Russian Jewish immigrants. What ensues will lead them to become leading figures in philosophy, politics and diametrically opposed in every way. In a battle of wills spanning every topic from politics to hockey, the two cut to the core of what it means to be American and whether we are defined by who we exclude or who we include. Check your privilege. Check your premises. CHECKMATE!
Pasen is a Chicago native who has written for the past two seasons of the hit TV series POWERBOOK IV: FORCE and has had full Chicago productions of his plays TEA WITH EDIE AND FITZ, and BADFIC LOVE. Arts Judaica Artistic Director Elayne LeTraunik will direct a cast featuring Jacob Simon, Rachael Fox and Nathan Kabara. Sophia Klevit is assistant director.
Tickets are $15.00 and are on sale now at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/staged-reading-of-free-radicals-by-adam-pasen
LISTING INFORMATION
FREE RADICALS
By Adam Pasen
Staged reading directed by Elayne LeTraunik
Tuesday, October 28 at 7 pm
The Edge Theatre
5451 N. Broadway, Chicago
Tickets $15.00, on sale now at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/staged-reading-of-free-radicals-by-adam-pasen
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
Originally from Chicago, Adam Pasen has written on the last two seasons of the hit crime drama POWER BOOK IV: FORCE with his writing partner, Sammy Horowitz. He is a graduate of the PhD Playwriting program at Western Michigan University, where he studied under Steve Feffer. Full-length Chicago productions include TEA WITH EDIE AND FITZ (BroadwayWorld Chicago Award for Best New Work) and BADFIC LOVE. He is the winner of the National Ten-Minute Play Award from the Kennedy Center and published in the BEST AMERICAN series from Applause books. Born into an interfaith household, this is his first play exploring the Jewish side of his family, and he dedicates it to his father, Robert.
ABOUT ARTS JUDAICA
Arts Judaica is dedicated exclusively to showcasing Jewish arts, culture, and history. As the only organization of its kind in the Chicago are, Arts Judaica serves as a vital platform for preserving and celebrating Jewish heritage through compelling performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Our mission is to illuminate the richness of Jewish traditions and history, with a particular focus on educating audiences about pivotal events such as the Holocaust. Through thought-provoking productions, dynamic workshops, and meaningful collaborations, we aim to foster understanding, promote cultural dialogue, and inspire reflection among diverse audiences.
Arts Judaica, a tax exempt, 501c3 entity, is a unique and vibrant live theater/music/education organization based in Chicago, dedicated exclusively to showcasing Jewish arts, culture, and history. As the only organization of its kind in the city, Arts Judaica serves as a vital platform for preserving and celebrating Jewish heritage through compelling performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.