Robust Post-Show Conversations
Posted by Daria Davis on 4/20/2010
(Daria is the former Literary Apprentice at Steppenwolf and the post-show moderator for The Brother/Sister Plays)
Steppenwolf’s patrons will often ask me after a post show discussion, “How often do you do these?” The answer is “every show.” Yes, with a few small exceptions, you can find myself or another member of the post-show gang sitting down to a lively discussion with our audiences just about every night of the week. Topics of conversation in The Brother/Sister Plays post-shows often center around playwright Tarrell McCraney’s writing, specifically the unique ways in which his characters open up and communicate with the audience. Most nights patrons are leaning forward in their seats, hands energetically raised to talk about how these plays reached out and grabbed them, connected them with the action unfolding, invited them into the ebb and flow of McCraney’s ephemeral Louisiana community, San Pere.
It’s these moments that energize me the most. Evenings when we’ve got a theater full of robust conversation ping ponging through the audience. It speaks to the elegant way McCraney’s innovative, lyrical and unmistakable voice dovetails with the mission of our post show discussions. That excitement about connection, about the invitation to participate and engage in the work on stage, is what we’re hoping to foster in our discussions.
We’re dedicated to the ideal of creating a public square, a forum where our patrons are encouraged to dig into what the work means to them. I’m always interested to know what’s still resonating in the minds of our audiences as the house lights come up, and it’s a treat to hear night after night the unique ways the Brother/Sister trilogy is reaching out and grabbing the hearts and minds of our community.
If you haven’t had a chance to experience these plays with us, I hope you’ll join us at the theater soon. And if you find yourself in a discussion with me, I’ll be curious to know what piece of the play you might carry home, talk over in the car or revisit while you’re making that late night snack!