The Dance of Death
Written by August Strindberg
In a new version by Conor McPherson
Directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov
January 29 - March 22, 2026 in the Downstairs Theater
In the high stone tower of an isolated naval fortress, Alice and Edgar are about to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss—if decades of resentment, recrimination and mutual sabotage count as bliss. But when an alluring visitor arrives, the delicate balance of their tedious arrangement falls off its axis, cracks growing into canyons. In Conor McPherson’s wicked take on Strindberg’s masterclass in marital warfare, a twisted love triangle waltzes off the edge of a cliff, plunging us all into the deep.
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Playwright August Strindberg
- Adaptor Conor McPherson
- Director Yasen Peyankov
- Scenic Design - Collette Pollard
- Costume Design - Ana Kuzmanic
- Lighting Design - Lee Fiskness
- Sound Design - Rick Sims
- Dramaturg - Abhi Shrestha
- Creative Producer - Patrick Zakem
- Producing Director - Tom Pearl
- Casting - JC Clementz
- Production Stage Manager - Laura D. Glenn
- Assistant Stage Manager - Kathleen Barrett
Featured Ensemble Members
- Kurt - Cliff Chamberlain
- Alice - Kathryn Erbe
- Captain (Edgar) - Jeff Perry
Content Advisory
Due to the high volume and wide breadth of work we present, we are often not able to proactively offer content advisories for individual performances. However, if you have specific concerns about stage effects (such as strobe lights or fog/haze) that might have a bearing on comfort or well-being, or if you would like to know more about the age appropriateness of the performance, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
Additional Information
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, March 1 at 3:00pm
(1:30pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Saturday, February 28 at 3:00pm
Thursday, March 12 at 7:30pm
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm
Community Events
THEATRE INDUSTRY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Thursday, Jan 29, 2026
6:00pm Mixer in Front Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Arrive early for catching up and networking with fellow artists and arts administrators in Chicago's theatre scene before a performance of The Dance of Death by August Strindberg! Join us in our Front Bar located at 1700 N. Halsted before the performance and stick around for the 7:30pm performance in the Downstairs Theater.
*The pre-show event is FREE for industry professionals, but tickets are required for attending the performance of The Dance of Death.
UNIVERSITY NIGHT
A FREE Event* on Friday, Jan 30, 2026
6:00pm Mixer in Tap Bar | 7:30pm Performance
Post-show discussion immediately following the performance
Arrive early for lite bites and networking with fellow college students before a performance of The Dance of Death! Join us in our Tap Bar on the first floor of 1646 N. Halsted before the performance and stick around for the 7:30pm performance in the Downstairs Theater.
*The pre-show event is FREE, but college students can get tickets for $15 with a Student ID using code STUDENT15.
TEEN TAKEOVER
A FREE Post-Show Event* on Saturday, October 11, 2025
3pm performance | Teen Takeover Event Immediately After
Connect with like-minded teens after a performance of The Dance of Death! Enjoy different art and activity stations and a post-show conversation with artists from the show. There will be music and snacks to keep the vibes going throughout the program.
*The Teen Takeover event is FREE, but tickets are required to attend the performance of The Dance of Death.
Education + Engagement
Steppenwolf supports the art on our stage with a number of free and discounted education and engagement programming throughout the season. Ranging from field trip opportunities, school residencies, arts workshops, teen nights, community partnerships and more! Whether you're a theatre learner, maker, or appreciator, check out our amazing programming here.
Welcome to Our Ensemble
Steppenwolf prides itself on being one of the premier ensemble theaters in America. By visiting Steppenwolf, you become part of our community and therefore agree to adhere to the theater’s Patron Code of Conduct.