The Steppenwolf revival of Shepard’s masterpiece.
Crafted with a new generation of artists.
About This Show
In 1982, Steppenwolf exploded onto the American Theatre scene with its now legendary production of Sam Shepard's True West. This American classic traces the volatile relationship of Austin and Lee, estranged brothers who find themselves holed up together in their mother's well-kept suburban house with a typewriter, a set of golf clubs and the undeniable call of the desert. In its first Steppenwolf revival, our new generation of artists take on Shepard's masterpiece.
FROM PLAYWRIGHT SAM SHEPARD
"I wanted to write a play about double nature, one that wouldn't be symbolic or metaphorical or any of that stuff. I just wanted to give a taste of what it feels like to be two-sided. It's a real thing, double nature. I think we're split in a much more devastating way than psychology can ever reveal."
FROM THE 1982 NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW
“A rambunctious and spontaneous tale about sibling rivalry… the seductiveness of Hollywood and with the battle between art and business. Lee and Austin are fraternal opposites… Lee is a scurvy desert rat, Austin a hot shot intellectual screenwriter. An exhilarating confluence of writing, acting and staging… True West is acted for its reality even when the events are surreal.”
Watch & Listen
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
Engagement Series
Join us for this event designed to enrich your experience around True West:
- True West through the Decades: A Multigenerational Reflection on Launching—and Revisiting—a Legendary Work
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author Sam Shepard
- Director Randall Arney
- Scenic Design Todd Rosenthal
- Costume Design Trevor Bowen
- Lighting Design Ann G. Wrightson
- Sound Design & Original Music Richard Woodbury
- Fight Choreographer Ned Mochel
- Company Voice & Text Coach Gigi Buffington
- Production Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn
- Assistant Stage Manager Amanda Landis
Featured Ensemble Members
The Cast
Reviews
“Revival is a powerful homage to the past, refreshing look to future. Highly entertaining production… Hill and Smallwood capture the sibling rivalry just right” – Chicago Sun Times
“Ferocious new Steppenwolf take on True West” – WTTW
“Smallwood and Hill are superb: by turns frightening and hilarious, with a crackling chemistry” – Time Out Chicago
“Impossible to take your eyes off… [Hill and Smallwood’s] chemistry crackles” – Chicago Reader
“If you have never seen a production at Steppenwolf before, True West is the one to see” – Broadway World
Program Articles
Special Performances
Preview performances:
July 5 - July 13
ASL interpretation:
Sunday, July 28 at 7:30pm
Open-captioned:
Thursday, August 1 at 7:30 and Saturday, August 17 at 3pm
Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, August 11 touch tour at 1:30, performance at 3pm
6 OR MORE $10 DISCOUNT
Looking for something to do with co-workers, your monthly meetup group or even a summer outing for friends? Let the drama START and the FUN begin!
For a limited time, groups of just 6+ can get discounts on tickets for True West.
Enter code SUMMERFUN, get $10 off each ticket—there's no such thing as a small group!
Sponsors
Major Production Sponsor
Special Performances
Preview performances:
July 5 - July 13
ASL interpretation:
Sunday, July 28 at 7:30pm
Open-captioned:
Thursday, August 1 at 7:30 and Saturday, August 17 at 3pm
Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, August 11 touch tour at 1:30, performance at 3pm
6 OR MORE $10 DISCOUNT
Looking for something to do with co-workers, your monthly meetup group or even a summer outing for friends? Let the drama START and the FUN begin!
For a limited time, groups of just 6+ can get discounts on tickets for True West.
Enter code SUMMERFUN, get $10 off each ticket—there's no such thing as a small group!
Sponsors
Major Production Sponsor