City of Chicago v. Festival Theatre Corp.

This appeal raises the issue of whether a theatrical performance, alleged to be obscene, may be enjoined as a public nuisance consistent with the first amendment freedom of speech.

Plaintiff, City of Chicago, brought an action for injunctive relief against defendants, Festival Theatre Corporation and Paul Liang, operator of the theater. According to plaintiff’s complaint, defendants used their theater to conduct live stage shows which consist entirely of obscene sexual acts, in violation of section 11—20 of the Criminal Code of 1961 (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 38, par. 11—20). Plaintiff…