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.

Running Time

Running Time: 1 hour 40 minutes, including No Intermissions

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 in Production

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Reviews

On Steppenwolf for Young Adults
"These productions often are among the best work the company presents."
-Chicago Sun-Times

On the 2005 production of The Bluest Eye
"Highly Recommended...a must-see production...an altogether superb (and harrowing) world premiere stage adaptation."
-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..."
-Chicago Tribune

Program Articles

Backstage with Alana Arenas & Libya V. Pugh


The actresses behind the roles of Pecola and Claudia discuss the very personal impact of The Bluest Eye.

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

Running Time

Running Time: 1 hour 40 minutes, including No Intermissions

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.