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Engaging with Art
Describe, Analyze, Interpret

“So, part of the Steppenwolf ethos is saying that it's our bodies on stage - we should be able to have a say. Your voice is important. It is not only important, it is necessary. And with the ensemble ethos, every voice in the room is essential. The playwright, the director, the stage manager, the actor. So, I think that Steppenwolf strives to make sure that every voice in the process is necessary and we believe in each other's unlimited potential.” - Audrey Francis, Co-Artistic Director

At Steppenwolf, we believe that anyone can be an artist, and anyone can engage deeply with art. Like Audrey explains – everyone has a voice, and your voice is more than enough to have an opinion and explore a piece of art.

We like to utilize the practice of Describe, Analyze, and Interpret. A process that offers a moment for audiences to slow down and discover multiple ways into a piece of art. So often in life we jump to making bold claims. However, we find that slowing down the process allows us the opportunity to move towards new meaning and compose a deeper relationship with the piece. Please see here for the Spanish Language Translation.

Step One: Describe

Be Honest

After you watch Windfall, we invite you to take a moment to reflect or discuss through the lens of observation and noticings. Simply describe what you saw without interpretation. Feel free to consider the prompts below as you begin your conversation:

  • Questioning: What did you see? What did you notice? What did you hear?
  • Noticing: I saw. I noticed. I observed. I heard. 
  • Examples: I noticed that certain characters did not talk to Marcus. I observed that Mr. Mano was often alone. 

Step Two: Analyze

Be Curious

Next, we begin to turn those observations into questions. Consider how the parts that you noticed in the step above perhaps connect to each other. What patterns did you notice, and what relationships are you curious about? Consider the prompts below as you continue your conversation:

  • Questioning: What do you wonder? What are you curious about?
  • Noticing: I wonder. I question. I am curious about. 
  • Examples: I wonder why some actors played multiple characters? I am curious about Eli's journey and why Mr. Mano can’t quite get the answers he desires. 

Step Three: Interpret

Be Courageous. 

Now we are ready to delve deeper with stronger claims in the final step. Consider your observations and questions from the steps above and create your own interpretations of Windfall. Feel free to use the prompts below as jumping off points:

  • Questioning: What do you think is going on here? What do you think the artist is trying to convey? What meaning can you make here?
  • Noticing: I imagine. I assume. I think. I believe. 
  • Examples: I believe that Mr. Mano feels guilt around Eli’s death because of the unresolved tension. I imagine that Mr. Mano finds comfort in Marcus’ presence. 

Interested in delving deeper?

If you are interested in delving deeper into Windfall consider continuing your journey through Our Study Guide.