Synopsis

Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye is a story about the tragic life of a young black girl in 1940's Ohio. Eleven year-old Pecola Breedlove wants nothing more than to be loved by her family and schoolmates. Instead, she faces constant ridicule and abuse. Blaming her dark skin, she prays for blue eyes, sure that love will follow. With rich language and bold vision, this story examines the standards of beauty, a young girl’s coming of age, and the devastating events she endures.

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Watch & Listen

The Bluest Eye

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Reviews

"Highly Recommended...a must-see production...an altogether superb (and harrowing) world premiere stage adaptation.”
- Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

"In The Bluest Eye, the best work on view is all about grace and subtlety...in director Hallie Gordon's staging, Alana Arenas embodies Pecola with heartbreaking clarity...The entire cast is sharp..."
- Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

Program Articles

Arts Exchange is for Everyone

Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Arts Exchange program helps to create a future filled with citizens who have a deep connection with theater artistically, socially and emotionally.

Arts Exchange Teacher Immersion

Chicago Public Schools teacher Judy Reed explains why she keeps bringing her classes to Steppenwolf

From Book to Stage: Lydia Diamond on adapting The Bluest Eye.

In high school I was given Toni Morrison’s Beloved as a gift by my English teacher

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.