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Join us for a staged reading of Paula Kamen’s Pardoned: A Post-Punk Revolution. Set in the idealistic Chicago arts scene of the 1990s, the play recasts the old debate about “selling out” and being authentic to a new generation—in this present age when every aspect of life is commodified. The trajectory of the central character of Brad from punk rocker to MAGA consultant also mirrors that of J.D. Vance, with old friends being mystified in both cases about this evolution.
The reading will be followed by a talk back and reception.
Tickets: $5
Available online and at the door
Based in Evanston (IL), Paula Kamen is a playwright specializing in provocative, timely and darkly comedic work—often exploring generational feminist issues and the hidden dramas of invisible disability.
Her most well-known work for the stage—with dozens of productions—is Jane: Abortion and the Underground, which was Jeff-nominated for Best Ensemble for a 2023 Chicago production with Idle Muse. Before the pandemic, it had an off-Broadway celebrity reading at Rattlestick to benefit A is For, starring Cyntha Nixon, Kathy Naijimy, and Monique Coleman. Most recently, it has been used in red states to raise money for abortion funds, such as with a benefit reading by PowerStories in Florida last year. Her play, Dionne’s House, an O’Neill finalist, had its first professional reading last fall at the Voices from the Heartland New Works Festival at the Dunes Arts Foundation Summer Theatre in Michigan City, IN—judged by Artistic Director Steve Scott, former Goodman Theatre producer. Her short play, A Cure for AIDS: 1995, which explores the loss to future generations when artists and inventors perish before their time, won a special Commendation from the Jewish Plays Project a few years ago. It will be a part of the Spectrum New Plays Festival at FIrst Run Theatre in St. Louis this spring (2026). Her newest play is GoFundMe or “The Good Poor,” dramatizing the absurdity of relying on GoFundMe as our country’s social-services safety net. The first scene of that play made the Scene Shop Showcase last year at Chicago Dramatists, judged by Jeni Mahoney, founder of the Seven Devils New Play Foundry.
Class Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation of your workshop registration via email about a week prior to the class. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation. Please check the online class listing for supplies to bring to class (there will also be a link to the Supply List in your class confirmation). Some supplies may need to be ordered well ahead of time.
Please note that your class registration will not be confirmed without full payment.
Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details, and note our community standards on our Planning Your Workshop Experience page.
Materials Fees
Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment; however, in some cases materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time (check the class listing).
Cancellation Policy
While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes (and this includes purchasing supplies and assembling workshop kits), we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:
Student cancellations
> Cancellations made 30 days or more before the start date of the workshop are eligible for a 75% refund OR a gift certificate in the full amount. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging one year from the date of cancellation and is transferable.
> Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before the start date of the workshop are not eligible for refunds or gift certificates. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance, which is available for a reasonable fee.
> Cancellation requests must be made by contacting our office at info@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class and cancel less than seven days in advance of your reservation, a $50 cancellation fee will apply.
Cancellations by Shake Rag Alley
> If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class for any reason, you will be notified via email or phone and will be eligible for a full refund or, if you prefer, a transferable gift certificate. You may also consider donating your refund to support our operations or scholarships.
If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class canceled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging or gift certificate should you wish to cancel.
Waiting Lists
If a workshop you are interested in is sold out, please fill out this waiting list form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. The class code requested on the form is the Workshop ID shown at left, beneath the Add to Cart button.
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
