Conversation with Ron OJ Parson - Icons

Ron OJ Parson hit Chicago in the late 80’s looking for new opportunities. In a leap of faith and on the word of a trusted friend Ron relocated, and in doing so, he began a process of reinvention. Always a restless performer, in Chicago Ron would diversify his craft, becoming a producer, director, and theater founder. He co-founded Onyx Theater with Alfred Wilson – the same trusted friend that lured him to Chicago. The Onyx ensemble included luminary talents such as Lydia Diamond and Daniel Bryant and with its founding, Ron introduced a “story-centered, language rich” approach on par with Chicago’s stellar reputation for great story and great acting in intimate spaces. Over the next 4 decades, Ron forged a legacy of partner-ship with August Wilson, and Court Theater (among others) that made him one of the most celebrated directors of the August Wilson cycle. Join us for a candid talk about Ron’s life and his art.