Synopsis

It’s Christmas Eve in Dublin. In the rundown house where Sharky cares for his blind brother, old acquaintances gather for a card game—joined by an ominous stranger. As the booze flows and the game intensifies, Sharky discovers he is playing for his soul. In this eerie, darkly humorous tale, celebrated playwright Conor McPherson examines how we face the demons of our past as we struggle to find redemption.

Born in Dublin, playwright Conor McPherson won London’s prestigious Olivier Award for The Weir and received a Tony nomination for Shining City. The Seafarer makes its Chicago premiere, following a critically-acclaimed Broadway run.

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes, including 1 Intermission

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 Seafarer in Rehearsal
The Seafarer in Production
EXPLORE: The World of Conor McPherson
Alan Wilder on Ivan
Randall Arney on Liquor on Stage
Randall Arney on The Searfarer
Randall Newsome on Nicky
Tom Irwin on Mr. Lockhart

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Reviews

"Powerful, not to be missed...Steppenwolf’s production of McPherson’s work (is) the best Irish play since Beckett!"
–Chicago Tribune

"A fantastic tragicomic quaff being served up by one of those legendary all-male, turbo-charged Steppenwolf Theatre ensembles that once again reminds you what sensational acting is all about."
–Chicago Sun Times

"The Steppenwolf production is a shining star in the firmament of perennially dazzling Chicago theater! Brilliant!"
–Huffington Post

"Has us on the edge of our seats!"
–Time Out Chicago

"Delivers the booze-soaked pathos one expects from great Irish storytelling."
-Chicago Reader

"The acting is absolutely first rate. Plays to what Steppenwolf has always done best - the ensemble strength."
-Dueling Critics, WBEZ

Program Articles

Coming Home

Artistic Director Martha Lavey Interviews William Petersen

Directing McPherson

Associate Artistic Director David New interviews ensemble members Amy Morton and Randall Arney

Exploring Conor McPherson

A sampling of themes throughout his work

In the Paths of Exile: Guilt and Isolation in The Seafarer

Joy Meads captures the hopeful spirit of The Seafarer

Letter from the Artistic Director on Dublin Carol

Artistic Director Martha Lavey explores Dublin Carol's central question of human intimacy.

Letter from the Artistic Director on the 2008-2009 Season

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses the 2008-2009 Season of the Imagination

Letter from the Artistic Director on The Seafarer

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses the mystery, humor, and grace of The Seafarer.

Sponsors

Production sponsors of The Seafarer:

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes, including 1 Intermission

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.

Sponsors

Production sponsors of The Seafarer: