It's just a friend request, it doesn't mean I want to be friends.
About this show
Mercedes is an outsider. Tara makes sure she knows it. When a high school production of The Crucible forces them together, tensions escalate into acts of bullying–both online and IRL. This world premiere play explores what happens to a teacher and his students when a classroom conflict turns into an online witch-hunt.
The Burn was commissioned by Steppenwolf for Young Adults.
One last chance to see the show!
Everyone is welcome to attend our Relaxed/Sensory-Friendly performance this Saturday, March 10. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit the event page.
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author Philip Dawkins
- Director Devon de Mayo
- Artistic Producer Hallie Gordon
- Scenic Design Courtney O'Neill
- Costume Design Melissa Ng
- Lighting Design Heather Sparling
- Sound Design Sarah Ramos
- Projection Design Rasean Davonte Johnson
- Casting Director JC Clementz
- Stage Manager Brian Maschka
Content Advisory
The Burn contains coarse language and intense vocal bullying including references to self-harm. If you have any additional 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.
Relaxed/Sensory-Friendly performance
Saturday, March 10
1pm lobby + 3pm curtain
More information and tickets
Additional Info
The Burn Study Guide (2MB PDF)
School Performances
Interested in having your students experience this show? Registration is available starting December 1, 2020. If you are not already receiving emails from Steppenwolf Education, put your email address on the list to receive notice when registration opens.
Special Performances
ASL interpretation (student):
TBD
ASL interpretation (public):
Friday, March 2 at 7:30pm
Open-captioned:
Saturday, March 3 at 3pm
Audio-described and touch tour:
Saturday, February 24 1:30pm touch tour, audio-described performance at 3pm
Reviews
“A concentrated 90-minute depiction of web-wicked bullying and the human wreckage that results…The Burn powers past clichés to expose the limits of privacy, free speech and even honesty itself”
— Stage and Cinema