Harold Pinter...the most influential and imitated dramatist of his generation.
-The New York Times
Synopsis
At a sleepy seaside boarding house in England, the humdrum routine of corn flakes, newspapers and naps is interrupted by the appearance of two mysterious strangers. They become guests at longtime tenant Stanley's surprise birthday party which, after a few glasses of whiskey, party games and a mysterious blackout, turns into a deliciously impalpable nightmare. As excuses and alliances hastily shift, so does the truth in Harold Pinter's riveting dark-comic masterpiece.
Harold Pinter was a director, actor and one of the most influential modern British dramatists, winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005. His celebrated, ultimately undefinable classic The Birthday Party derives its power from Pinter's brilliantly mysterious yet comic riff on the absurd terrors of the everyday.
Find out more about Harold Pinter.
New Upstairs Theatre
Director and ensemble member Austin Pendleton and scenic designer Walt Spangler are creating an exciting new set for
The Birthday Party, which involves bringing the audience closer to the story—literally. We will be reconfiguring the Upstairs Theatre by moving the stage to the center of the room, creating a space that allows for better acoustics and greater intimacy with the audience up front and up close to the action. No seat will be more than eight rows from the stage. This artist-generated design allows for elements of fun and surprise that should make for a compelling and exciting play-going experience.
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
Featured Ensemble Members
Reviews
"Highly Recommended!"
–Chicago Sun-Times
"Time has proven its brilliance"
–Chicago Tribune
"Creepily sinister, often darkly funny play"
–Chicago Sun-Times
"Huge waves of intrigue crest and fall at this beachside haven"
–The Fourth Walsh
"Spellbinding...this is a 'Birthday Party' you will not soon forget"
–Chicago Sun-Times
Program Articles
A welcome letter from Artistic Director Martha Lavey
Designer Walt Spangler discusses the set for The Birthday Party with Artistic Director Martha Lavey.
Steppenwolf’s Literary Manager Aaron Carter shares his personal connection to the play
Buy Tickets
Tickets for this production are not currently on sale. Call 312-335-1650 for more information.
Buy Tickets
Tickets to this play are not currently on sale.
Running Time
Special Performances
Sign Language-Interpreted
Sunday, March 31 at 7:30pm
Open Captioning
Saturday, April 27 at 3pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, April 14
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
More from the 2012-13 Season
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