4060 S. Pulsaski
New musical tells the sprawling story of Chicago from a single place.
Today we're announcing a new project: 4060 S. Pulaski:
The story of Chicago— a place of casual corruption and intense love, of vicious violence and purifying grace, can be told in a single address in the southwest portion of the city. Through data, documents, and public narratives, 4060 S. Pulaski tells this sprawling story while standing still. From the outrageous video of police killing of a black boy, to the naked aggression of an alderman extorting a business owner over a building permit, to the crushing daily life of people who make and eat fast food, 4060 South Pulaski is the place where mayors were vanquished and made, where the last 50 years of Chicago can be understood.
This drama, set for November 2024 publication, pulls from data journalism, original interviews, and the labor of hundreds of government workers, will lift up the evidence of our existence. The fourth wall pierced electroncially as audience members are buzzed with evidence.
This Archer Heights Burger King is where police attempted to cover up the murder of Laquan McDonald. It's where Alderman Ed Burke manipulated driveway permits in a bribery scheme. And it's where hundreds of Chicago workers have made their money and built there lives.
Former Alderman Ed Burke's office doors covered with kraft paper while the FBI raid the place, November 29, 2018. Photo: Daniel X. O'Neil.
The driveway that was the subject of Alderman Ed Burke bribery scheme. Photo by Daniel X. O'Neil, June 9, 2016, during an On The Table session.
We're actively working on this piece, continuing to collect original documents, compose the script, and find production partners. Look for more in November 2024.