Thug Life Army

Chicago State University Theatre and Theori Productions is proud to re-introduce its ground-breaking contribution to theatre, "I Still Love H.E.R. (A Tribute to Hip Hop)." "I Still Love H.E.R." takes viewers on an insightful tour down memory lane, while taking time to stop and see what conditions and events helped to create the cultural phenomena known as Hip Hop. This sociological musical centers on Love 1, a revered Chicago on-air personality who is about to begin his final broadcast. In the midst of his farewell show, Hip Hop arrives to tell her story the way it really is. Through the dialogue that follows, Love 1 and his listeners are told the story of Hip Hop through her own words. Social issues such as feminism, parenting, racism, capitalist media domination and violence in the Hip Hop community are examined throughout the show, with relevant Hip Hop classics as the backdrop. By the end of his broadcast Love 1 reconciles his love affair with his culture and realizes that he must "always take time to listen to the soundtrack of his life".

“I Still Love H.E.R.” is an important step towards the healing of an ailing generation. This modern tale of cultural pride is ideal for middle school, high school audiences and community groups. Through honest dialogue, critical cultural analysis and classic Hip Hop songs, the culture of Hip-Hop is examined and remedies for change are disclosed. This is a must see event for all persons interested in Hip Hop and the development of today’s youth.

Years ago, our people fought to be able to simply live with dignity. We now have the right to do so, but now our people are being persuaded not to do so. "I Still Love H.E.R" seeks to help young people find the beauty within their culture and themselves. I will not assume that you completely agree with the messages in “I Still Love H.E.R.” I do however; fully believe that you are sympathetic to the conditions of this generation. Please understand that Hip Hop is not a negative entity. Unfortunately, those who wish to sell ignorance to us often repress the positivism of Hip Hop, thus this production was written with 3 intentions:

1) To teach what Hip Hop is. Before something can be judged properly, it must be understood. Far too long has Hip Hop culture been made a scapegoat by those who wish to absolve themselves of responsibility for the negative teachings forced upon the youth of the world.

2) To show young people how their very culture is now being packaged and sold to them. There is very positive Hip Hop music being produced. Unfortunately, the most positive music is prevented from being played on the radio and shown on the videos due to fear that positivism is not profitable. When given the understanding that what is sold to them is not always what is best to them, young people will then have a fair opportunity to seek positive music and art.

3) To help parents better understand their children. Too often, our children are demonized by the media and, more sadly, by the elder members of our community. The generation gap is growing between the elders and the children. The children of the Hip Hop community need the understanding and guidance of our elders, not scorn. It is the duty of more experienced generations to positively mold the morals and values of the youth. Without guidance, we become lost. Without acceptance, we become outcast.

“I Still Love H.E.R." will run September 16th, 23rd, and 30th at 8:00pm. The show runs approximately two hours with a 10-minute intermission. Admission is $12 for general tickets, $6 for CSU Students, Faculty, Staff, Senior Citizens and Groups of 10 or more.  Special daytime production reservations are available for groups of 50+ only.  All shows take place in Chicago State University’s Douglas Library, Breakey Theater, 9501 S King Drive, Chicago Il, 60628.

For more information visit them on the web at www.thetheori.com