Mad Liberation Episode 10: What if We Pulled the Strings?

Everybody loves puppets! We're talking to Chicago puppeteer and icon Leah Lara about power, puppets, and all things preposterous.

About this Event

Everybody loves puppets!

Join delightful hosts, Strawberry Gelato (she/they) and Gen Da Playboi (he/him), for an episode that will tug at your heart strings. You'll be in awe of the wonderous skills of our featured guest, the ultra-talented puppeteer and dreamer Leah Lara (they/them)!

We’ll cover topics like: How does puppetry open up new pathways for storytelling? If people in power pull the strings of society, how do we cut them off with a quickness? What would a dueling puppet show look like - shadow puppets vs sock puppets? What is it like to be a badass puppeteer in Chicago? How does string cheese fit into all of this?

This episode features a puppet show from , musical performances from , and drag performances from . Come through for good vibes, great resources, sickening performances, and the chance to win a cute gay prize!

Reserve your spot in advance! Tickets have three tiers: $5, $10, and a suggested donation of $15. All proceeds go towards paying the artists and crew who make the show happen. If you need free tickets, or are looking to avoid fees, hit us up! We want you there! Just DM us on IG (@MadLiberationShow) or email us at TWFkTGliZXJhdGlvblNob3cgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==

DATE: Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

TIME: 7:30 PM CT - 9:30 PM CT

LOCATION: Nobody's Darling Bar (1744 W Balmoral Ave Chicago, IL 60640)

🔥 CAPACITY IS LIMITED 🔥

Tickets can ONLY be purchased online before the event.

DRESS ENCOURAGEMENT: We invite you to come as you are! If you're feeling extra (like us) come dressed as an iconic puppet or doll (think from Pinocio to Megan)!

NOTE ABOUT SEATING: Seating capacity is low - there are about 10 bar stools (short backs) and 10 chairs (low to the ground with back). Arrive early to grab a seat! If you require seating as an accessibility accommodation, or if you will be using a wheelchair, don’t hesitate to DM us or contact us via email at TWFkTGliZXJhdGlvblNob3cgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==.

MOCKTAILS & COCKTAILS: Whether you want to enjoy an elevated cocktail or mocktail, Nobody’s Darling has your back. Order a drink at the bar to complete your Mad Liberation experience and support this amazing Black and Queer owned business.

FREE WATER STATION 💧 located near the entrance of Nobody's Darling Bar. Fill your cup and stay hydrated.

Download the Full Cocktail Menu

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY--

Nobody’s Darling is wheelchair accessible If you have questions about accessibility accommodations, please email aW5mbyB8IG5vYm9keXNkYXJsaW5nICEgY29t

EVENT ACCESSIBILITY ---

Mad Liberation is a masked event. Masks will be available at the door.

Mad Liberation will be live-streamed on IG Live at our handle @madliberationshow.

For questions and requests regarding event accessibility accommodations, please email TWFkTGliZXJhdGlvblNob3cgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==

DIRECTIONS --

Nobody's Darling: 1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Cross Streets: Ravenswood Ave & Paulina St

Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

FREE STREET PARKING AVAILABLE

Located at the corner of W. Balmoral Ave. and N. Ravenswood Ave. Three blocks west of the Clark & Balmoral 22 bus stop.

Approximately 1 mile west of the Berwyn Red Line Station.

0.7 miles north of the Ravenswood Metra Station.

Map to Nobody’s Darling using Waze

Map to Nobody’s Darling using Google Maps

ABOUT MAD LIBERATION (formally known as No Place Like Home):

Established in 2023, ethereal hosts Strawberry Gelato (IG: @strawberrygelato) and Gen Da Playboi (IG: @gen_playboi) present Mad Liberation, a live-record podcast that highlights Chicago’s Black and LGBTQIA+ community. Each episode features an interview with a queer person who is striving for our collective liberation - be it through art, performance, providing resources, and/or their service to the community.

Agenda


🕑: 07:30 PM
Let's Get This Party Started!

🕑: 07:40 PM
Meet Our Community Partner!

🕑: 07:50 PM
Interview and Games with Featured Guest!

🕑: 08:20 PM - 08:30 PM
10 - minute Intermission!

🕑: 08:30 PM
Performances!

🕑: 09:20 PM
Cute Gay Prize Winner Announced!

🕑: 09:30 PM
Show End!


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