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

What the hell is this play about? Cats and dogs talk, Johnnie Walker and Colonel Sanders make an appearance, Oedipus and his complex makes his rounds, and people walk around with half their shadow looking for an entrance stone. So begins the journey into Kafka on the Shore.

Aug 2008 - rehearsals begin with the normal pleasantries, i.e., we finally get to meet the members of the cast. And then, like the knights in King Arthur’s court, the players of the round table emerge to greet us, i.e. people from costumes, set design, administration, P.R, stage managers, interns, etc. My initial reaction - I don’t think there are this many people involved on Broadway. Read the rest of this entry »

Ensemble member Ian Barford in yesterday’s performance of Dream Chicago in Millennium Park.  Explore more moments from this production.

I still can’t believe that I’m here.

After three weeks in, I’ve successfully finished unpacking. I’m becoming slightly familiar with a city that still seems so foreign to me. I have come to learn quite a few things along the way. I have learned that the Millenium Bean cannot be found in Grant Park, no matter how long you search for it. I have learned that when talking baseball, it is important to stress which specific Sox fan that I am, especially around the territory of Wrigley Field. I have learned that on the weekend, the red line is no longer my friend.

It’s strange. One year ago, I had never heard of Haruki Murakami. I had never even heard of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. But in just a matter of weeks, both have become a substantial part of my life. I feel nothing but grateful to be a part of Kafka on the Shore.

With two weeks left until previews, I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t terrified. The mainstage house is vast. The concept of publicity is one I still can’t wrap my mind around. My extended family is coming. Read the rest of this entry »

What an exciting way to start the school year - with a protest! It’s funny, I have lived in Chicago for over fifteen years and I don’t remember a school year starting without some kind of controversy. Because I work with Chicago Public Schools and I have two children in the public school system, I know something about the disparity in funding throughout the Chicagoland area. We paid $250.00 for school supplies that go to the kids’ classrooms and $120 in registration fees at our public school. Not everyone can afford this, so whether you agree or not about children missing the first couple days of school to protest, you have to admit, it did bring much needed attention to the challenges of funding education.

Lindsey Barlag, our new Education Associate, was at New Trier High School interviewing students and parents during the symbolized registration at the school. Here is what she had to say about it:

“The atmosphere at New Trier High School was electric with a sea of 2,000 orange shirts - students, parents and community leaders - filing out of buses. I came to observe, participate and listen. I wasn’t sure what to expect of the day, and I left inspired and moved. A group of New Trier parents stood posed, waving signs of welcome and clapping as the buses pulled up. School officials were ready with water and registration tables. Shouting from the buses, I heard calls of “We love you New Trier.” After over 1,000 students were symbolically registered at New Trier, a rally was held at a local nature preserve. Lunch was served to everyone, and the crowds cheered as Reverends, politicians and community members spoke for the need for change. The protest led by Reverend Meeks was organized, empowering and a testament to community strength. However one might feel personally about the school boycott, it is clear that there is a lack of equality in funding that translates directly to the quality of education our students receive across Illinois. Being at the protest first hand, I felt the call to action. It was a demonstration that was well thought out with care and succeeded in bringing attention to this important issue.” Read the rest of this entry »

The Steppenwolf staff welcomes the 2008-2009 Class of administrative and production apprentices. Explore more moments from this Steppenwolf event.