ABOUT THE SHOW
In the high stone tower of an isolated naval fortress, Alice and Edgar are about to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss—if decades of resentment, recrimination and mutual sabotage count as bliss. But when an alluring visitor arrives, the delicate balance of their tedious arrangement falls off its axis, cracks growing into canyons. In Conor McPherson’s wicked take on Strindberg’s masterclass in marital warfare, a twisted love triangle waltzes off the edge of a cliff, plunging us all into the deep.
THE DANCE OF DEATH WILL BE PERFORMED IN THE DOWNSTAIRS THEATER.
STUDY GUIDE
We invite you to take a look at our Study Guide—an interactive resource created by Steppenwolf Education & Engagement to deepen your The Dance of Death experience. In addition to lesson plans and activities for the classroom, you will find articles, artist interviews and so much more!
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Playwright August Strindberg
- Adaptor Conor McPherson
- Director Yasen Peyankov
- Scenic Design - Collette Pollard
- Costume Design - Ana Kuzmanic
- Lighting Design - Lee Fiskness
- Sound Design - Rick Sims
- Hair & Wig Designer - Charles G. LaPointe
- Dramaturg - Abhi Shrestha
- Creative Producer - Patrick Zakem
- Producing Director - Tom Pearl
- Casting - JC Clementz
- Production Stage Manager - Laura D. Glenn
- Assistant Stage Manager - Kathleen Barrett
Featured Ensemble Members
- Kurt - Cliff Chamberlain
- Alice - Kathryn Erbe
- Captain (Edgar) - Jeff Perry
The Cast
- Understudy - Tiffany Bedwell
- Understudy - Shane Kenyon
- Understudy - John Lister
Watch & Listen
Running Time
Content Advisory
If you would like to know more about the content of The Dance of Death, click the "Details" arrow below. If you have questions about age-appropriateness or stage effects that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
Additional Information
Post-Show Conversations
Back by popular demand, we are thrilled to announce that post-show conversations will be held after every performance of The Dance of Death!
Please join us for a brief 20-minute discussion immediately following the show.
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, March 1 at 3:00pm
(1:30pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Saturday, February 28 at 3:00pm
Thursday, March 12 at 7:30pm
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm
Community Events
DATE NIGHT
Have a Drink and a Dance Lesson
Thursday, February 12, 2026
6:30pm Lesson | 7:30pm Performance
Audience members (partners and friends) are invited to arrive early, grab a drink join Dance Instructor, Rod Relucio, founder of 312 Tango and the Windy City Tango Festival to learn step-by-step movements that match the energy of the The Dance of Death!
*When you get tickets for the performance, select the special ticket type that includes a Drink Ticket! You can then RSVP for the dance lesson HERE.
Rod Relucio is a Chicago-based Argentine Tango dancer, teacher, DJ, and organizer whose work spans the U.S. and international tango communities. He is the founder of 312 Tango and the Windy City Tango Festival, and is deeply committed to growing tango both locally and globally.
LEARNER CHAT
A Post Show Discussion on Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Immediately following the 7:30pm Performance
Stay after the performance for a moderated discussion between director and ensemble member Yasen Peyankov and Abhi Shrestha (Steppenwolf's Director of Education and Engagement).
TEEN TAKEOVER
A FREE Post-Show Event* on Saturday, March 7, 2026
3pm performance | Teen Takeover Event Immediately After
Connect with like-minded teens after a performance of The Dance of Death! Enjoy different art and activity stations and a post-show conversation with artists from the show. There will be music and snacks to keep the vibes going throughout the program. Click the button below to RSVP and learn more about how to get $5 tickets.
*The Teen Takeover event is FREE, but tickets are required to attend the performance of The Dance of Death.
PAST EVENTS
THEATRE INDUSTRY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Thursday, Jan 29, 2026
6:00pm Mixer in Front Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Arrive early for catching up and networking with fellow artists and arts administrators in Chicago's theatre scene before a performance of The Dance of Death by August Strindberg! Join us in our Front Bar located at 1700 N. Halsted before the performance and stick around for the 7:30pm performance in the Downstairs Theater.
*The pre-show event is FREE for industry professionals, but tickets are required for attending the performance of The Dance of Death.
UNIVERSITY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Friday, Jan 30, 2026
6:00pm Mixer in Tap Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Post-show discussion immediately following the performance
Arrive early for lite bites and networking with fellow college students before a performance of The Dance of Death! Join us in our Tap Bar on the first floor of 1646 N. Halsted before the performance and stick around for the 7:30pm performance in the Downstairs Theater.
*The pre-show event is FREE, but college students can get tickets for $15 with a Student ID using code STUDENT15.
Education + Engagement
Steppenwolf supports the art on our stage with a number of free and discounted education and engagement programming throughout the season. Ranging from field trip opportunities, school residencies, arts workshops, teen nights, community partnerships and more! Whether you're a theatre learner, maker, or appreciator, check out our amazing programming here.
Welcome to Our Ensemble
Steppenwolf prides itself on being one of the premier ensemble theaters in America. By visiting Steppenwolf, you become part of our community and therefore agree to adhere to the theater’s Patron Code of Conduct.