The best-written, best-plotted, deepest, most daring, and funniest, new play in recent years.
–-Wall Street Journal

Synopsis

Billy's intellectual and proudly eccentric English family is its own tiny empire: private languages, in-jokes and fiery arguments. Billy, deaf since birth, is the only one who truly listens. When he meets his girlfriend Sylvia, he is introduced to a larger Deaf community, which sparks a struggle for self-identity and rebellion against his family. Tribes is sharp, witty story about finding the place where you can be heard and a family that feels like home.

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 15 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.

Special Performances

To purchase ASL or open captioning tickets, click on the "Buy Tickets" box above, select a date, and click the "Select Your Own Seat" button.

(Newly Added) American Sign Language Interpretation and Open Captioning
Saturday, February 8 at 3pm*
Friday, February 14 at 7:30pm*

American Sign Language Interpretation Only
Saturday, February 1 at 3pm** (sold out)

Open Captioning Only
Saturday, January 18 at 3pm** (sold out)
Friday, January 31 at 7:30pm**

Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, January 26
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm

* Interpreters and/or caption display and seats will be on the RIGHT side of the theater if you're facing the stage.

** Interpreters and/or caption display and seats will be on the LEFT side of the theater if you're facing the stage.

Watch & Listen

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Reviews

“Tribes Buzzes, Dizzies, and Dazzles…a vivid exploration of how language molds lives, shapes perceptions and determines where we belong” –Chicago Magazine

So many great lines...bought the script at intermission” – Paige, Twitter

An abundance of witty dialogue, impeccable sound design…and impressive performances all around” – Newcity

Beautiful show…everyone see Tribes– Brian, Twitter

An especially stimulating, smart and important play– Chicago Tribune

Program Articles

How Can You Perform So Well?

Performer Regina Daniels on her experiences on the stage with hearing loss.

Part of Your Tribe

Playwright Nina Raine found time in her hectic schedule to chat with Director of New Play Development Aaron Carter about Steppenwolf’s upcoming production of her play Tribes. They touched base just before Nina headed off to Zagreb, Croatia to see a production of the play.
Edited by Jenni Page-White

Welcome to Tribes

A welcome letter from Artistic Director Martha Lavey

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 15 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.

Special Performances

To purchase ASL or open captioning tickets, click on the "Buy Tickets" box above, select a date, and click the "Select Your Own Seat" button.

(Newly Added) American Sign Language Interpretation and Open Captioning
Saturday, February 8 at 3pm*
Friday, February 14 at 7:30pm*

American Sign Language Interpretation Only
Saturday, February 1 at 3pm** (sold out)

Open Captioning Only
Saturday, January 18 at 3pm** (sold out)
Friday, January 31 at 7:30pm**

Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, January 26
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm

* Interpreters and/or caption display and seats will be on the RIGHT side of the theater if you're facing the stage.

** Interpreters and/or caption display and seats will be on the LEFT side of the theater if you're facing the stage.

The best-written, best-plotted, deepest, most daring, and funniest, new play in recent years.
–-Wall Street Journal

More from the 2013-14 Season

Russian Transport

February 06 - May 11, 2014

The Way West

April 03 - June 07, 2014

The Qualms

July 03 - August 31, 2014

The Wheel

September 12 - November 10, 2013

Sponsors

Corporate Presenting Sponsor

Corporate Production Co-Sponsor

Major Foundation Production Support

Opening Night Celebration Sponsor: Marsh Private Client Services