Directed by artist and activist Ricardo Gamboa, Cold Summer was initially developed under the auspices of a youth employment program in Summer 2013. When teens’ research led them to critique Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, funders censored– then banned– the production. In response, the ensemble of teens met and rehearsed independently with Gamboa under the banner of The Young Fugitives to share Cold Summer in a secret production. Over 200 people saw Cold Summer on August 16th. Since then, The Young Fugitives have been touring and reworking Cold Summer and are currently residence at Free Street Theater.