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.
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
- 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
Content Advisory
Due to the high volume and wide breadth of work we present, we are often not able to proactively offer content advisories for individual performances. However, if you have specific concerns about stage effects (such as strobe lights or fog/haze) that might have a bearing on comfort or well-being, or if you would like to know more about the age appropriateness of the performance, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
Additional Information
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
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.
DATE NIGHT
A Dance Lesson on Thursday, February 12, 2026
6:30pm Lesson | 7:30pm Performance
Audience members (partners and friends) are invited to arrive early, grab a drink and join us to learn step-by-step movements that match the energy of the The Dance of Death! RSVP for the pre-show event using this link, and when you get tickets for the performance, select a special ticket type that includes a Drink Ticket!
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.
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.
Sponsors
Grand Production Sponsors
Dennis and Karen Chookaszian
Individual Production Sponsors
Charlie and Mary Gofen
Joseph and Shirley G. Teplin
The Dance of Death is supported by the Avy and Marcie Stein Sustaining Fund for the Ensemble.
Accessibility Services sponsored by John Hart and Carol Prins.