EVET Arts is a new theatre company whose mission is to close gaps of cross-cultural understanding. We do this by devising new works of physical theatre based on the stories told to us by those who have lived through today's most socially and culturally-significant events. 

EVET means YES in Turkish, and we strive to always say "Yes" to artistic innovation and cultural understanding. We're seeking your help to fund our inaugural production. Will you say YES?

Whose Story Are We Telling?

Trajectories is based on the stories told to us by American Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans and Iraqi refugees living in Chicago. Trajectories explores the themes that reliably re-appeared in these interviews: The search for identity, the need to belong and the reality of loss.

Trajectories, which is being developed as a trilogy, explores the Iraq War through the eyes of a US soldier and an Iraqi and examines the places their experiences meet. It is being collaboratively created and performed by a skilled and diverse group of physical performers from Boston and Chicago and is co-written by former Marine Sergeant Chris Mandia and physical theatre expert Meron Langsner.

What Are Our Goals For This Production?

• Stun audiences visually while telling a compelling story that engages them mentally and emotionally and motivates them to take action within their communities
• Motivate civilian audiences to learn more about their veteran and refugee neighbors and encourage them to begin a dialogue of engagement and friendship
• Validate the veterans and refugees in our communities and encourage them to use art as a means to express and share their experiences with others

Why Does This Story Need to be Told?

"[T]his year it may be a Catholic against whom the finger of suspicion is pointed, in other years it has been, and may someday be again, a Jew -- or a Quaker -- or a Unitarian -- or a Baptist... Today I may be the victim -- but tomorrow it may be you -- until the whole fabric of our harmonious society is ripped at a time of great national peril." - President Elect John F. Kennedy

Where Will My Money Go?

- Travel costs and salaries for our talented cast and creative team ($3,000+)
- Rental costs for rehearsal space and performance spaces ($2,000+)
- Production costs such as set materials, costumes and printing programs ($2,000)

EVET Arts is also being supported by the generosity of the Dekeyser & Friends Foundation. Aged 18-28? Get inspired and follow your dreams!