'Ghost Bike' play coming to Whitney Young High School

In the cycling community, a ghost bike is a roadside memorial for people who were hit and killed while riding bikes.

Serving as a somber reminder of the bicyclists we've lost, the ghost bike movement has gained lots of traction and helped raise awareness. Now, it's the namesake of a play that will be performed at Whitney Young Magnet High School this month.

Written by Chicago playwright Laura Jacqmin, Ghost Bike follows the story of two young people in love, and what happens after one is hit by a car and killed while riding his bike, according to Jacqmin's website: 

Ora and Eddie fell in love with Chicago on their bikes. But when Eddie is hit by a car and killed, Ora refuses to let him go. Instead, she rides beneath our city to bring him back, facing off against underworld gods and ghosts – some interested in helping her, some determined to get in her way. The more difficult her journey becomes, the more Ora must question what it is she’s journeying towards. Chicago culture skitches off of Greek, African, and Chinese mythology, sparking a spirited mash-up of underworld and after-life as seen from the seats of fixies, BMX’s and ten-speeds.

Ghost Bike has been produced only a few times, with its professional world premiere at Buzz22 in Chicago earlier this year. The Young Company, Whitney Young's extracurricular drama program, is excited to be sharing this story with the community. 

Tickets are $8 for all ages and available at the doors of The Young Company, 1431 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago. Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-22, and at 5 p.m. Nov. 20. 

Photo courtesy of Laura Jacqmin features an earlier production of the play.