Synopsis
Love-Lies-Bleeding focuses on the last years of a free-spirited artist, now left invalid after a second stroke. His estranged son, wife and ex-wife struggle over the ultimate question: how do they let him die with dignity? As DeLillo masterfully tackles the ethics of their decision, he amplifies what it truly means to be alive. Steppenwolf continues collaboration with one of America’s foremost writers: Don DeLillo. The Love-Lies-Bleeding playwright is widely recognized as one of the most distinctive and innovative writers of our time. Among his acclaimed novels are Americana, White Noise, Libra, Mao II and Underworld. Steppenwolf Theatre Company produced DeLillo’s novel Libra, adapted and directed by ensemble member John Malkovich in 1994, and play Valparaiso, directed by ensemble member Frank Galati in 2000. Love-Lies-Bleeding traveled to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in the spring of 2006. Find out more about our productions that have traveled beyond Chicago.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
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Scenic Design: Loy Arcenas
- Costume Design: Nan Cibula-Jenkins
- Author: Don DeLillo
- Stage Manager: Malcolm Ewen
- Lighting Design: J.R. Lederle
- Directed by: ensemble member Amy Morton
- Sound Design: Josh Schmidt
- Assistant Stage Manager: Christine D. Freeburg
Featured Ensemble Members
Reviews
"Don DeLillo's brilliant three-act play Love-Lies-Bleeding is a philosophical romance...a metaphor for love and death, wonder and waiting, blessing and breath..."
-Harpers
On Amy Morton
"Amy Morton [is] always a fiercely intelligent director."
-Chicago Sun-Times on The Dresser
"Amy Morton’s smart, unobtrusive direction propels this fine production..."
-The Daily Herald on The Dresser
On Martha Lavey
"Best of all is Lavey, whose responses to the shifting psychological terrain reflect our own."
-Chicago Reader on Lost Land
-Harpers
On Amy Morton
"Amy Morton [is] always a fiercely intelligent director."
-Chicago Sun-Times on The Dresser
"Amy Morton’s smart, unobtrusive direction propels this fine production..."
-The Daily Herald on The Dresser
On Martha Lavey
"Best of all is Lavey, whose responses to the shifting psychological terrain reflect our own."
-Chicago Reader on Lost Land
Program Articles
Reading DeLillo
Artistic Apprentice Thomas Murray discusses Delillo's prescient interpretation of American culture.
Set On Stage
Artistic Director Martha Lavey talks with acclaimed writer Don Delillo about Love-Lies-Bleeding, his world premiere play, featuring Martha in the Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, April 27 - May 28, 2006.