Based in North Kenwood, A Poet, Performer, and Playwright. These titles only begin to describe the creative journey of Kimberly, whose debut play premiered this month at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, and will run until Sunday October 5th.
A longtime literary voice in the city, Dixon-Mays’ venture into full theatrical production marked a pivotal moment in her multi-hyphenate artistic career.
“My writing is influenced by my poetry and performance background. I’m really preoccupied with the music of language, language that’s approachable but heightened, something that sparkles. That’s the poet in me. And then, from the performance side, I think a lot about how things sound out loud, how they land in a room, not just what’s on the page.”
This attention to rhythm and resonance makes Rabbits in Their Pockets both lyrical and deeply engaging, a reflection of a writer who lives in both the literary and theatrical worlds.
Turning Points and Lifelong Learning
Although this is Kimberly’s first full production, her path has been shaped by milestones that pushed her to expand and refine her craft.
“I’ve always read and loved theater, even as a kid,” she says. “But a major turning point came in 2016 when I took a bootcamp playwriting course. That class changed everything; it taught me the mechanics of storytelling for the stage.”
Dixon also points to her pursuit of a doctorate in dramatic literature at Northwestern as another critical juncture. Studying, teaching, and analyzing plays gave her the tools to understand what makes stories tick. “I learned so much from studying other playwrights. Their themes, their language, their structure, all of that helped shape the kind of stories I want to tell,”
The Story Behind the Story
At its core, Rabbits in Their Pockets is a story about resilience and joy and how deeply intertwined those two forces are, especially in the face of adversity.
Written by Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays and directed by Christopher Wayland, this original world premiere explores what happens when two estranged siblings, opposites in every way, take one last chance to move beyond grief and rediscover joy. Their bold project promises transformation, but only if they can embrace each other’s unique kind of magic.
“Inspired in part by Br’er Rabbit tales and the broader African and African American storytelling tradition, the play honors Lifeline Theatre’s mission of adapting literary works,” says Dixon-Mays. “I wanted to root it in that tradition while creating something entirely new.”
Thematically, Rabbits in Their Pockets asks audiences to consider how joy can be a collaborative act, something we cultivate together, even while carrying the weight of personal, communal, or generational challenges.
“It’s about finding glimmers of joy, even in tough times,” she says. “That’s how we get through.”
Though Dixon is now seeing her work staged in a professional production, the road here wasn’t easy.
“This is my first full production, but I’ve been writing for years,” she says. “It takes resilience to keep showing up, to apply, to submit, to get rejections or no replies. Even writing five new pages for a new play is a win. Every small act of progress is a win.”
That quiet persistence and joy-fueled determination echo the same themes found in her play, a testament to how art and life mirror one another.
Chicago as Creative Home
Originally from Connecticut, she moved to Chicago in 1995 to study at Northwestern and never left. Drawn by the city’s rich theater ecosystem, she found a community where large institutions and small theaters coexisted, offering fertile ground for new voices.
“I thought I’d be here five years tops,” she laughs. “But the theater scene here is so dynamic. I love that we have both major houses and community-based spaces. That’s rare.”
With academic training from Yale, UCLA, and Northwestern, and deep ties to Chicago’s literary and theater circles, Dixon brings both rigor and passion to her craft.
What’s Next—and Why Chicago Should Pay Attention
As the curtain rises on Rabbits in Their Pockets, Dixon is clear: this isn’t just about her.
“Putting a play on its feet involves so many people, directors, actors, designers, the leadership at Lifeline. Their talent and vision bring the script to life, and I’m grateful. I hope people come out not just for this production, but to support Chicago theater in general.”
She urges Chicagoans to engage with local theater at every level.
“Every time you buy a ticket, you’re supporting not just the current show, but the possibility for new work to be developed. That matters.”
As for her future? Dixon isn’t slowing down. She continues to write, revise, and imagine new worlds onstage. But for now, she’s reveling in this milestone moment and inviting Chicago to come along for the ride.
