Submit

The Birthday Party

January 24 - April 28, 2013

Harold Pinter...the most influential and imitated dramatist of his generation.
-The New York Times

Synopsis

At a sleepy seaside boarding house in England, the humdrum routine of corn flakes, newspapers and naps is interrupted by the appearance of two mysterious strangers. They become guests at longtime tenant Stanley's surprise birthday party which, after a few glasses of whiskey, party games and a mysterious blackout, turns into a deliciously impalpable nightmare. As excuses and alliances hastily shift, so does the truth in Harold Pinter's riveting dark-comic masterpiece. Harold Pinter was a director, actor and one of the most influential modern British dramatists, winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005. His celebrated, ultimately undefinable classic The Birthday Party derives its power from Pinter's brilliantly mysterious yet comic riff on the absurd terrors of the everyday.

Find out more about Harold Pinter.

New Upstairs Theatre

Director and ensemble member Austin Pendleton and scenic designer Walt Spangler are creating an exciting new set for The Birthday Party, which involves bringing the audience closer to the story—literally. We will be reconfiguring the Upstairs Theatre by moving the stage to the center of the room, creating a space that allows for better acoustics and greater intimacy with the audience up front and up close to the action. No seat will be more than eight rows from the stage. This artist-generated design allows for elements of fun and surprise that should make for a compelling and exciting play-going experience.

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, including 2 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.

Additional Information

You may purchase "Best Available" seats to this production, but to select your own seats please contact Audience Services at
312-335-1650. (New!) Upstairs Theatre Info & Seat Map Map / Directions to the theatre The Birthday Party Program

Special Performances

Sign Language-Interpreted
Sunday, March 31 at 7:30pm

Open Captioning
Saturday, April 27 at 3pm

Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, April 14
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm