Unbelievably powerful...beautiful...an extraordinary play (WBEZ)
Synopsis
In anticipation of her birthday, Shelah’s family and friends gather at her home in the Head of Passes—the mysterious shifting marshlands at the mouth of the great Mississippi River. As the guests appear, so do ghosts from the past, and Shelah’s convictions about her life begin to dissolve, along with her home in the Louisiana rain. Ensemble members Tarell Alvin McCraney and Tina Landau team up again for this wise, warm world-premiere drama about faith, family and finding your place in the world.![]() | ![]() |
Head of Passes is the recipient of a Joyce Award. | This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. |
Running Time
Running Time: 2 hours, 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.
Additional Information
Downstairs Theatre Info & Seat Map
Map / Directions to the theatre
Head of Passes program
Ensemble member Jon Michael Hill will take over the role played by Kyle Beltran from May 21 until the show's closing on June 9.
Take advantage of our SONO Sunday's ticket special!
Ensemble member Jon Michael Hill will take over the role played by Kyle Beltran from May 21 until the show's closing on June 9.
Take advantage of our SONO Sunday's ticket special!
Special Performances
Sign Language-Interpreted
Sunday, May 12 at 7:30pm
Open Captioning
Saturday, May 18 at 3pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, May 26
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
Sunday, May 12 at 7:30pm
Open Captioning
Saturday, May 18 at 3pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, May 26
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Scenic Design: David Gallo
- Directed by: ensemble member Tina Landau
- Author:ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney
- Scenic Design Consultant: Collette Pollard
- Costume Design: Toni-Leslie James
- Lighting Design: Scott Zielinski
Featured Ensemble Members
You might also be interested in...
Tarell Alvin McCraney: On the road again
After living in Miami, Chicago, New Haven and London, Tarell doesn't "call anywhere home." (Windy City Media Group)
God at Work: The Divine Genius of Steppenwolf Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney
Get to know Tarell Alvin McCraney, one of the most prominent playwrights of his generation, his career both here and abroad, and his love of socks (Newcity Stage)
Tarell McCraney, like his plays, ever moving
“Doing theater is like being a shark — you have to keep moving” (Chicago Sun-Times)
Tale of two playwrights
Rising stars Quiara Alegria Hudes and Tarell Alvin McCraney debut world-premiere plays (Redeye)
After living in Miami, Chicago, New Haven and London, Tarell doesn't "call anywhere home." (Windy City Media Group)
God at Work: The Divine Genius of Steppenwolf Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney
Get to know Tarell Alvin McCraney, one of the most prominent playwrights of his generation, his career both here and abroad, and his love of socks (Newcity Stage)
Tarell McCraney, like his plays, ever moving
“Doing theater is like being a shark — you have to keep moving” (Chicago Sun-Times)
Tale of two playwrights
Rising stars Quiara Alegria Hudes and Tarell Alvin McCraney debut world-premiere plays (Redeye)
Reviews
“Unbelievably powerful…beautiful…an extraordinary play”
–The Dueling Critics, WBEZ
“Deep currents of thought and feeling… the very essence of drama”
–Daily Herald
“Speaks to the timeless human condition with humor, candor and intellect”
–Newcity
“Inventive, devastating…Shelah’s faith gets tested in a profound way”
–Time Out Chicago
“The show’s first act finale is a stunner”
–Chicago Sun-Times
“Shelah’s world has collapsed, a change that manifests in all its existential and eye-popping theatrical glory”
–Tribune
“It is one of the VERY finest plays we’ve seen. Head of Passes is a must-see!”
–K Beth, Facebook
“What that set does at the end of Act I is nothing short of astounding”
–Michael, Facebook
“Never have I felt so compelled to talk back to the story. So amazing.”
–Maggie, Twitter
–The Dueling Critics, WBEZ
“Deep currents of thought and feeling… the very essence of drama”
–Daily Herald
“Speaks to the timeless human condition with humor, candor and intellect”
–Newcity
“Inventive, devastating…Shelah’s faith gets tested in a profound way”
–Time Out Chicago
“The show’s first act finale is a stunner”
–Chicago Sun-Times
“Shelah’s world has collapsed, a change that manifests in all its existential and eye-popping theatrical glory”
–Tribune
“It is one of the VERY finest plays we’ve seen. Head of Passes is a must-see!”
–K Beth, Facebook
“What that set does at the end of Act I is nothing short of astounding”
–Michael, Facebook
“Never have I felt so compelled to talk back to the story. So amazing.”
–Maggie, Twitter
Program Articles
August 17th, 2006
Steppenwolf’s Literary Manager Aaron Carter shares his personal connection to the play, and invites you to do the same
Suspension of Disbelief
An interview with playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney and Steppenwolf staff members
The End of the World
Steppenwolf Artistic Apprentice Joshua Goode brings the play's unique location to life
Welcome to Head of Passes
A welcome letter from Artistic Director Martha Lavey