Steppenwolf Theatre Company Blog – Chicago Theater, World-Class Ensemble

Dennis Letts, actor in August: Osage County, and father of ensemble member Tracy Letts, passed away this past Friday, February the 22nd. Dennis taught writing and literature in several colleges and universities, including Southeastern Oklahoma State University, before he began acting professionally at age 50, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and theater productions. It was a joy for Steppenwolf that Dennis became a part of the theater’s life.

Tracy has written the following words about his dad:

“My father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in September of last year, following the Chicago run of August: Osage County and prior to the Broadway transfer. His choice to persevere with the New York production in the face of his devastating diagnosis is a testament to his love for the project and the people involved. Dad had a full and fascinating life, and August: Osage County was the cherry on top. My family will be forever grateful for the many kindnesses shown to Dad by the wonderful people associated with the production.”

Closing a show is much like ending a relationship. Or maybe it’s like meeting someone, deciding to really give it everything you have, and then, at a pre-set date, say goodbye to each other. Forever.

There’s sifting through the acquired detritus, looking at old photos, recalling good times, recalling BAD times. There’s the initial relief, enjoying the freedom that you relinquished during your time together. Seeing the friends you neglected. Paying the bills that just didn’t seem all that important. Returning countless emails.

There’s the shedding period. Getting rid of the dialogue that has inhabited a significant portion of your brain and heart. Getting your hair cut (in my case, a WELCOME relief, as all 80s references in the play became unnecessary once the audience saw my giant hair.) Putting all of your keepsakes in a shoebox next to important mementos from other relationships, not to be looked at, possibly, for years to come. (more…)

On Friday, February 15, 2008 at 4:20 pm, we lost a very dear friend and integral part of our Harriet Jacobs team. Kim Forbes, our assistant stage manager, died suddenly from complications associated with a previously undiagnosed case of leukemia. Kim was kind, generous, always smiling, always helpful, with a great sense of humor, and probably the cutest naturally blushed cheeks I’ve ever seen.

As a cast, we’ve been sad. Lots of us have cried. But tears aren’t enough. This young woman had just turned 30 only weeks ago, and seemed to be at the beginning of her life. The weekend of shows following the official announcement of her death were sad for us. It seemed like every moment of each performance was pregnant with a deeper sadness. Every time I’d turn a corner or pick up a prop, I’d see Kim’s shining face. (more…)

Dramaturgy is awesome! The thing I love most about working as a dramaturg on a play like Harriet Jacobs, is that I get to combine all of the things I love most about dramaturgy: production research, new-play development and working as a teaching artist in schools.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit with students at my alma mater, Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, for a post-show discussion. I spoke with them about Harriet Jacobs’ life as an abolitionist and activist after she escaped to the North and the legacy the students hoped to leave with their own families, communities and the world at large. After they completed a quick writing exercise, they shared their thoughts about Harriet Jacobs and their theater-going experience. Check out what these amazing students had to say: (more…)

Watch a video feature of the Harriet Jacobs creative team in rehearsal.