Folded Map
A Journey of Stories and Connection
Rivendell's immersive and collaborative devising process continues on the FOLDED MAP, a groundbreaking play created in collaboration with artist, activist, and 2026 MacArthur fellow, Tonika Lewis Johnson.
Led by a dynamic team of ensemble members, devisers, writers, performers, designers and community advocates, Rivendell is engaging with real-life stories from Tonika’s transformative Folded Map Project, highlighting the divides in Chicago's neighborhoods. This past summer, the artist team convened in partnership with University of Chicago's Performance Lab for a session that culminated in a public sharing of the work-in-progress script.
Rivendell’s aim for the FOLDED MAP is to produce a fully-realized theatrical production, inspired by the Folded Map Project, that creates a pathway to social justice for all who experience it.
Folded Map Residency
Quenna Lené Barrett
Lead Artist
Tonika Lewis Johnson
Lead Artist
Brit Cooper Robinson
Artistic Producer
Tanya Ward +
Artistic Producer
CORE ARTISTS
Quenna Lené Barrett
Rashada Dawan+*
Andres Fiz
Justice Ford
LaKecia Harris
Tonika Lewis Johnson
Christopher Wayland
Keith Kupferer +*
Krystel McNeil +*
Nikki Patin
Brit Cooper Robinson
Rebecca Spence +*
Risha Tenae *
Penelope Walker *
Tanya Ward+
Interns: Layla Eygabroad and Ashly Demay
+= Rivendell Theatre Ensemble Member
* - Denotes member of Actor's Equity Association (AEA)
Timeline
February 2023
Community Meet Up and Story Circle facilitated by Tonika Lewis Johnson with Rivendell's core artist team*, and original Folded Map Twins
Producing Team: Tara Mallen, Tanya Ward, Brit Cooper Robinson, Georgette Verdin
Summer/Fall 2023
Two sessions of artistic sharing and source material review with Rivendell core artist team.
Core Artists: Tonika Johnson, Tara Mallen, Tanya Ward, Brit Cooper Robinson, Krystel McNeil, Rebecca Spence
December 2023
Connected with Quenna Lene Barrett to join the team as a lead facilitator, Quenna is a theater director and writer, specializing in devised and social justice theater.
March 2024
Re-grouping with core team and planning summer workshop as part of Rivendell's "Fresh Produce" series
August 2024
Core artist group gathers for a 3-week workshop to story share, write and develop materials based on the Folded Map Project
Core Artists: Tonika Johnson, Quenna Barrett, Tanya Ward, Brit Cooper Robinson, Krystel McNeil, Rebecca Spence, Andrea Fiz, Risha Tenae, Christopher Wayland, Lakecia Harris
September 2024
Core artists re-convened in September for an additional workshop, building on the August work. This workshop culminated in a public reading for a sold-out audience in Rivendell’s theatre. Core artist team + performance by Ensemble member Keith Kupferer.
January 2025
The core team gathered for a week-long workshop that covered more stories, transcripts and memories from Tonika’s journey.
Core Artists
Tonika Johnson, Quenna Barrett, Tanya Ward, Brit Cooper Robinson, Rashada Dawan, Andrea Fiz, Risha Tenae, Christopher Wayland, Lakecia Harris, Penelope Walker
July/August 2025
Core artist team led by Quenna Barrett reconvenes at the U of C Performance Lab for a 2-week workshop to build off of the 2024 Folded Map content. The workshop will move the project steps closer toward a fully-realized script.
October 2025
Full core artist team reconvenes for a one-day conversation and reading of the current script and to discuss next steps.
