Neighborhood News: Wicker Park’s Chopin Theatre crosses time, space, and arts genres
Located in the ‘Polish Triangle’ of Wicker Park, The Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, began life in 1918 as a nickelodeon theater with 546 seats, operated by Victor Bardonski.
The Chopin Theatre was part of the development of the ‘Polish Downtown’ as a cultural and living space for the community. The white terra-cotta Chopin Theatre blended in with other buildings to ensure a uniform look as part of the culture. In 1923 it was renamed the Harding and seating was expanded to 987.
Today, The Chopin Theatre hosts music, film, and social events ranging from avant-garde to classic, and have hosted Since 1990 over 2,000 productions and thousands of artists have performed at The Chopin Theatre.
History
According to their website, by 1931 it was again called Chopin Theatre but underwent another name change to Pix Theater. In the 40s, according to a 2007 Reader article, Division was dense with polka clubs and Polish bars from Ashland to Western, and the stretch was called Polish Broadway.
There were three Polish-owned banks on the Triangle and a handful of pierogi spots. The Polish daily newspaper Zgoda was next door to the Chopin Theatre. However, as the decades marched on, the old “Polish Broadway” along Division Street became neglected.
In 1955 the building’s named changed to Security Federal Savings & Loan but the bank later relocated across the street.
The ‘Polish Triangle‘ wouldn’t become thriving business district, full of nightclubs, restaurants and café, until the 1990’s. When the Dyrkacz Family, headed by Zygmunt Dyrkacz, purchased the building in 1990, it was vacant except for Eddie’s Bistro. After operating briefly as At the Gallery Theater, it once again became Chopin Theatre.
Since 1990, the Dyrkacz’s have gradually restored the building to its present charm and today it houses the Main Stage (200), Cabaret Studio with Pregnant Buffalo Lounge (50-150), a cafe and art gallery.
Since then, Chopin has presented over 120 of its own productions, mostly Eastern and Central European. It has hosted performers from each state and from over 40 countries, and produced I-Fest, an international festival of solo performances bringing international artists from Austria, England, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Ukraine to Chicago.
The group has been recognized by Chicago ‘s most prestigious theatre honor, the Joseph Jefferson (aka, the “Jeff Awards”) Awards, for their production of Into the Woods with five awards.
In 2005, Zygmunt Dyrkacz was honored for his contributions to theater by being selected to PerformInk’s “People Making a Difference in Theater.”
In 2024, according to Wikipedia sources, the Chopin Theatre was selected as Best Storefront Theater Incubator specifically, “Chicago has earned its reputation for adventurous stage productions that lure audiences well beyond downtown. But even the most enterprising theatergoers may not know what’s worth checking out. One solid rule of thumb: See what’s playing at the Chopin Theatre.”
Currently Running
The theater has become a significant cultural hub known for its eclectic programming and commitment to avant-garde and experimental performances.
Through December 21, the Chopin Theatre is presenting a revival of Jekyll & Hyde – the first Chicago staging of the macabre musical in over 15 years. It’s been reviewed well. As Broadway World Chicago notes, the show is “vibrant, creative and imaginative.”
Jekyll and Hyde features the full orchestration of a 15-piece orchestra, the epic and sweeping score takes the company to the Chopin Mainstage for the first time, creating a chilling chamber for this haunting tale. For tickets and information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
