WHEN THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO community gathers, instant conviviality develops. Within an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie, sixty Fulbright alumni, international students, and scholars defied the Chicago chill to get together at the iconic Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park for our first major event of the year.
Built in 1918 and currently managed by Zygmunt and Leila Dyrkacz, the Chopin took us to an “old-world” space. We started with a reception at the underground salon, adorned with gorgeous art, circular antique sofas, and a classy decor. With tables set with real plates and antique silverware, the setting felt like an intimate gathering of global minds.
Falafel and Grill Middle Eastern Restaurant provided a delicious spread of vegetarian and meat shish kabobs and fresh salads, followed by a varied selection of desserts.
It was also the perfect moment to debut our brand-new Fulbright Chicago step-and-repeat, which served as the perfect backdrop for photos and shared memories.
The heart of the event, however, was on the stage. We were treated to a powerful performance of Maxim Gorky’s “The Lower Depths” by the Gwydeon Theater Company. A landmark of Russian social realism, the 1902 play offered a hauntingly beautiful portrait of life’s “ex-people,” meaning the vagabonds and dreamers navigating the thin line between brutal truth and comforting lies. Despite its historical origins, the play’s philosophical questions about humanity and poverty felt incredibly resonant in today’s world.
We concluded the afternoon with a stimulating Q&A session, allowing our scholars and alumni to dive deeper into the play’s origins and modern significance. It was a day that perfectly encapsulated the Fulbright mission: bridging history, education, and networking through a shared love of culture.
Photos provided by María Salazar | Copy reviewed by AI
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 