The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work will host an evening at the play Repulsing the Monkey on April 5, 2025, at 5:30 at the Lillie Theater Stage on City Theater Campus on Pittsburgh’s Southside.
The location is fitting as Repulsing the Monkey tells the story of Jablonski’s Bar on the Southside Slopes, inherited by siblings who are in a quandary about how to dispose of their neighborhood property and are faced with out-of-town offers threatening to change the nature of their parent’s bar and the surrounding area.
The play was written by School of Social Work alumnus Michael Eichler (MSW, 1986) known for helping to develop the Mon Valley Initiative, as well as for his work to establish consensus organizing, a national community organizing model impacting the community development field across the country.
“There was a time when you didn't just move to a house or an apartment, you moved to a neighborhood, “said Eichler. “It wasn't about how often you moved; it was about how long you stayed. What happens when everything is about money, and nothing is about memories?”
Eichler has kept his close ties to the School of Social Work through his relationships with current Community, Organization, and Social Action (COSA) faculty like COSA Chair Mary Ohmer. Mary and Mike worked together for many years doing consensus organizing throughout the country. “It’s been an incredible journey meeting Mike in the Pitt MSW program, working together and then staying connected for so many years,” shared Ohmer. “Mike has always been a great storyteller. I have really enjoyed seeing Mike turn so many stories about community and social issues into incredible heart-warming plays that make these issues come to life. Repulsing the Monkey is a timely tale of Pittsburgh and neighborhoods in transition and the difficult decisions residents are faced with when dealing with neighborhood change.”
Repulsing the Monkey had its first staged reading organized by Dr. Ohmer and her students at the University of Pittsburgh in 2015 and, since then, has been performed site-specifically in bars in San Diego, Portland, and NYC. Eichler thought it was about time to bring it to Pittsburgh, and what better spot than on City Theatre's campus in the South Side?
The Pitt Social Work COSA night is a collaboration with the South Side Community Council, with all ticket proceeds going to their organization. Attendees will also learn about ways they can support students in the COSA MSW program. Dr. Ohmer is working with current COSA students to plan the COSA night at the play. COSA student Michael Cooley shared "As someone who has lived in Pittsburgh most of my life, I’ve seen how neighborhoods like the South Side have changed over the years. I’m looking forward to how Repulsing the Monkey explores the real impact of gentrification on long-standing communities and the people who call them home." Ashika Henry Richardson added: "As a new resident of the city, I learned about its gentrification through research and school. I am excited to deepen my understanding of historical events and concepts through narrative creation and storytelling by the people who are rooted in the experiences of the community."
So, bring your community, family, and friends to witness this heartfelt play! Repulsing the Monkey will run at the Lillie Theatre stage on City Theatre's campus March 31st - April 6th. For more information and to reserve tickets please visit the website.