Your Chicago Guide’s ticket to the press viewing of Elephant in the Womb courtesy of Black Cat Theatre.
Elephant in the Womb, an absurdist clown play written by Katy Smith, and produced by Black Cat Theatre, is currently in its world premier on stage at Theater Wit. Surreal from the first moments, the play is staged entirely inside a womb-like set, suggesting that the main character Peewee is an unborn soul.
Peewee does nost of the heavy lifting, never leaving the stage. They are a genderqueer clown, perfecting a mysterious act they want to present to Mother to impress her. Mother and Mom turn out to be two separate entities, with one living in Peewee’s imagination. Mom of Peewee’s daydreams is kind, loving and gentle. Mother, on the other hand, a character that does present itself, is terrifying, manipulating, and demanding.
Peewee should be rehearsing, as the strange creatures keep reminding them, because “She is coming!” However, in a relatable struggle on stage, Peewee battles anxiety, existential dread, fear of failure and of looming judgment. The door behind them is particularly traumatizing to Peewee, and we begin to understand that what they are really fearing is being born. Here, in the sticky womb, surrounded by objects and creatures familiar, Peewee feels at home. What is through that door terrifies them. In that fear of the unknown, Peewee is all of us.
Elephant in the Womb is a farce, blending the dark side of humor with moments of tenderness. It explores a multitude of subjects from failure to launch to becoming an artist in the world that is unknown and cold. There are two sides to every story, and Peewee struggles with their choices on stage, evoking in the audience compassion and sadness more than laughs. The play is cerebral and demands self-reflection. An evening well-spent, we think.
Elephant in the Womb by Black Cat Theatre is currently on stage through September 13th, 2026, at the Theater Wit, 1229 West Belmont Avenue, in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Tickets on sale here.