Silk Road Rising first coined the term “video play” in 2011. This evolving genre is neither a filmed staged play nor a movie, but rather a blended genre that combines the language and aesthetics of live theatre with the technology and accessibility of digital filmmaking.

Silk Road Cultural Center first coined the term “video play” in 2011. This evolving genre is neither a filmed staged play nor a movie, but rather a blended genre that combines the language and aesthetics of live theatre with the technology and accessibility of digital filmmaking. Some of our video plays are adapted from other productions, while others are completely original to the video play format.

The ideas, experiences, and politics that inform our work serve as guideposts to the stories we tell in documentary form. Like our arevideo plays, our documentaries integrated with our other digital arts, as well as onstage productions.  

Animation allows us to create contexts and environments that expand the realm of what's possible. As an art form, it encourages us to take dense theoretical ideas and present them in an imaginative and entertaining manner.

Silk Road Sojourns first aired on Chicago Access Network Television (CAN-TV) in 2008 and 2009. In each of the 10 episodes,  Silk Road theatre makers, artists, and administrators discuss their work and its impact.   

Podcasts allow us to expand our reach by utilizing audio as a medium. Our podcasts explore topics relevant to our mission and dive deeply into the issues important to our communities. 

Over the years, we have expanded our educational programs into fully "staged" digital productions. These productions were written by Chicago community members and are performed by professional actors.