2024 Shows
Organization of Black Students Cultural Show
Ease on Down the Road: A Black Student's Odyssey
Friday, May 10th, 7PM CST
Mandel Performance Hall in Reynolds Club, 1131 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637
Get ready to mark your calendars because the Annual OBS Culture Show is back, as it returns to Mandel Hall! On May 10th, 2024, join us for an unforgettable journey to ✨Culture Land✨ as we delve into themes of self-discovery, challenge the boundaries of self-doubt, and examine the meaning of redefining our experiences.
This year's event promises to be a celebration like no other, with a lineup that will leave you inspired and uplifted. From electrifying performances to sentimental poetry, the Annual OBS Culture Show is a testament to the power of unity and Black creativity.
But that's not all – we're thrilled to announce that this year's show will follow the theme of the iconic Wiz, adding an extra layer of magic and meaning to the show. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this incredible celebration. Save the date, spread the word, and tell your friends to join us on May 10th for a night you won't forget!
Instagram: @obs_uchicago
Sensasia Showcase
Sunday, May 5th, 7PM CST
Logan Performance Hall 915 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637
Join us for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and delicious food! Sensasia is thrilled to announce our annual showcase on May 5th at 7 pm. We are excited to feature an array of performances that showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of Asia. This year we are ecstatic to showcase a fashion show displaying beautiful cultural clothing. But that's not all - our showcase will also feature a delectable food festival starting at 5:30 pm, where you can indulge in a variety of mouth-watering dishes, including lumpia, popcorn chicken, kimbap, and more! Tickets will cost $10 for both the show and the food festival. If you just want to watch the show it will be $5. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and richness of Asian culture through music, dance, and food.
Instagram: @uchicagosensasia
Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) Culture Show
OLAS Presenta: Juegos de la Vida
Saturday, March 30th, 7PM CST
Mandel Performance Hall in Reynolds Club, 1131 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637
OLAS Presenta: Juegos de La Vida. This year’s cultural show will explore one of the biggest facets, joys, and sources of communal love of our childhood: games. From Dominoes in the Caribbean, Trompos in Central America, Rayuela in South America, Loteria in Mexico, and the simple yet classic game of “roasting” as an act of playfulness and care: How do the games our families pass down to us shape us? How does it teach us? How does it show us love? This year’s cultural show will present you with the answers. Join OLAS for a night of performances, dances, poetry, food, and most importantly: community love.
Instagram: @olasuchicago
African & Caribbean Student Association (ASCA) Culture Show
Koma Waidi
Saturday, February 17th, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM CST
Mandel Performance Hall in Reynolds Club, 1131 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637
The phrase ‘Koma Waidi’ comes from the Nubian people of northeastern Africa, what is present-day Sudan and Egypt. The phrase in its entirety means “Tales of Our Past”, and it is a reference to the ways our individual pasts inform our collective present and future.
Paired with the phrase is the Aya, shown above, an Adinkra symbol that stems from the Akan people from Ghana and the Ivory Coast. The Aya is a fern, a hardy plant that is traditionally associated with notions of endurance, independence, and resourcefulness. For us, it signifies the ability to flourish in all conditions. To overcome what challenges have arisen in our past that make our present and future possible.
We are looking to our past and the long ancestral histories we each possess; the challenges we have overcome as we move through life; the bonds we have made with those we met along the way; and the joy and happiness that have come from our experiences. We hope to honor our past so that we may celebrate our present.
The Culture Show will take place Saturday, February 17th in the Mandel Performance Hall located in Reynolds Club. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Formal or traditional attire is preferred.
Instagram: @acsa.uchicago
More information on the spring 2024 shows coming soon...
2023 Shows
African & Caribbean Student Association (ASCA) Culture Show
Sankofa: Finding Our Way Back Home
Saturday, February 18th • 5:30pm
Mandel Performance Hall in Reynolds Club, 1311 E 57th St.
Sanfoka Finding Our Way Back Home will showcase African and Caribbean culture, food, and art. Celebrating the power and eminence of African and Caribbean beauty and opulence.
Instagram: @acsa.uchicago
South Asian Student Association (SASA) Presents
"Till Death Do Us Part"!
Saturday, March 25th | Dinner at 5:30p in Ida Noyes (with optional dinner service at 7p for those observing Ramadan) + Show at 8:30p in Mandel
On the evening of Saturday, March 25, the South Asian Students Association (SASA) is holding its annual cultural show in Mandel Hall. The SASA show has traditionally been one of the largest cultural shows on campus, and this year the theme is "Till Death Do Us Part"! The story is inspired by elements from classic “whodunnits”, and the show will include musical and dance performances, as well as pre-recorded skits. Tickets will be on sale this upcoming week, Monday through Friday (March 20-24) in Reynolds Club from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) Presents
100 Años de Amor, Soledad, y Espíritus
Saturday, April 1st | 8p
Mandel Hall
Inspired by the classic Latin American books that established Magic Realism, “100 Años de Amor, Soledad y Espíritus” is a story about desire, despair, and reconciliation. This is a journey
across different decades and traditional dances from many different countries. Throughout colorful performances, vibrant rhythm, and sparkling dances, magic will fusion with reality in this
passionate love chronicle.