Theatre News Wire

In the lead-up to ensemble member Tracy Letts's extraordinary BUG returning this November to the Downstairs Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre brings audiences a sampler of the playwright's singular voice in their homes with a trio of new virtual plays by Letts. From on-location filming with Rainn Wilson to handmade 3D puppets brought to life and Letts himself performing, each work is produced for the first-time in a digital format. These three gripping pieces, streaming now through October 24, create the opening landscape of the 2021/22 Comeback Season and mark a bridge to the return of live performances and the opening of Steppenwolf's new Arts and Education Center this fall.

Ensemble member Tracy Letts shares, "These plays share at least one thread: a world off-kilter. But since I wrote these pieces, the actual world has undergone some hair-raising transformations, which have cast mysterious new light on these plays. They feel very much like stories for 2021."

About the Plays

Night Safari
A monologue filmed in a studio location
Written by ensemble member Tracy Letts
Directed by Patrick Zakem
Featuring Rainn Wilson
Run time: 14 minutes

The nocturnal habits of the Panamanian Night Monkey, the life cycle of the Paradoxical Frog, and the mating rituals of middle-aged male homo sapiens. This wry monologue poses the question: are we so distant from the whims of our biology? Enjoy your tour, and please remember-do not feed the animals.

The Old Country
A filmed vignette, inhabited by puppets
Written by ensemble member Tracy Letts
Directed by Patrick Zakem

Puppet and production design by Grace Needlman
Featuring ensemble members William Petersen and Karen Rodriguez with Mike Nussbaum
Run time: 10 minutes

Two men in a diner drain the last drops of their coffees and think about ordering dessert. In the denouement of their (physical, intellectual, and sexual) lives, they wax nostalgic and try to communicate across a wide divide.

The Stretch
A monologue filmed in a studio location
Written by ensemble member Tracy Letts
Directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro
Featuring ensemble member Tracy Letts
Run time: 8 minutes

And they're off, for the 108th running of the El Dorado Stakes! But this race is long-distance... and maybe not what it first seems... 

Single tickets are available and grant access to all three virtual plays for $20. Students, teachers, artists and essential workers get access for $10. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.