The Robert R. McCormick Theater will be closed from Wednesday, August 26, through Friday, September 11, due to equipment and system upgrades. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

WTTW Screenings

In July, we’re screening two episodes of FIRSTHAND: Democracy from WTTW.

In a series of documentaries, Firsthand: Democracy presents intimate portraits of five Chicago residents responding to a period of political polarization and public distrust. Their stories focus on the steady, sustained efforts of people rebuilding democratic practice from the community level up.

Miten Patel traces his journey from a corporate career to a civics-education classroom, where he encourages his students at Evanston Township High School to register to vote, question political candidates, and directly engage with the political process. Miten, a British-born Indian immigrant, uses creative teaching methods to demonstrate that democracy is a verb—an active process requiring ongoing action and participation from citizens. “Our system doesn’t work without knowledgeable citizens,” he says. “This is a 24/7, 365-day citizen requirement to make sure this democracy is functioning.”

Whether Braver Angels volunteer Maryanne Colter is participating in a community debate on a hot-button issue, teaching college students how to disagree about politics without being disagreeable, or showing neighbors of opposing political views how to find common ground, she is acting on her belief that everyone can play a role in addressing our country’s toxic divisiveness—not in changing people’s opinions on issues, but how they view each other. “If we all do a little, nobody has to do a lot,” she says.

Running times: Miten, 34 minutes; Maryanne, 23 minutes

Screening Times*

Tuesday–Saturday: 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.

Sunday: 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

The Great Chicago Adventure Film

This dynamic film transports visitors through major events in Chicago’s history. Feel the intensity of the Great Chicago Fire and splendor of the World’s Columbian Exposition. Explore the sights of bustling Maxwell Street in the 1950s and peer down from an I-beam of the Sears Tower in the 1970s. Relive Chicago sports victories and cheer on President Obama during his Grant Park victory speech.

Running time: 27 minutes.

Screening Times*

Tuesday–Saturday: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m.

*The Robert R. McCormick Theater is occasionally used for other programs and events. Screening times subject to change. Please confirm times with the Ticket Desk during your visit.