The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, is considered the last European dictator. Under his iron-fisted leadership, speech is severely restricted. Those who criticize his regime end up in prison or worse. Founded in 2005 during Lukashenko’s second term, the Belarus Free Theatre once held performances in private residences, with invites secretly dispersed the day of the show or the day before. Now unable to return home, they’ve been touring the world with their play, “Being Harold Pinter,” which has performed to sold-out audiences in Chicago. The company’s co-creator Natalia Kaliada tells us about her theatre and life under Lukashenko.

“Being Harold Pinter” is playing tonight through Monday, Feb. 21, at the

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier. 800 East Grand Avenue, 312.595.5600