On the first day of rehearsal for Windfall, director Awoye Timpo invoked the humanist African philosophical construct of Ubuntu which, in one meaning, translates to I am, because we are.
What a fitting framework through which we might consider Steppenwolf’s ensemble approach to creating theatre. The strength of the group, of true togetherness, is at the heart of this company. It’s what makes us unique.
And that tenet is particularly potent when we set our sights on launching a new play, such as Windfall. The creation of a wholly new work is an inherent act of collaborative development.
Sometimes we are asked why an ensemble company like Steppenwolf has such a strong track record for developing and launching new plays. What’s the magic ingredient, that special sauce?
Our commitment to new work can be traced back to the tenure of our dear former Artistic Director, the late Martha Lavey. Martha manifested her belief in the power of new work through her leadership and advocacy—and of course through her decision to bring world-class writers into our ensemble. She must have understood then what we have come to know now: that this spirit of ensemble, of unity, of Ubuntu, is the crucible in which thrilling and provocative theatre is forged.
Which brings us to today. We are honored to welcome Tarell Alvin McCraney, one of the most celebrated writers working today, back to his artistic home for this production. When we asked Tarell to write a new play for our 50th Season, a few things were clear. Tarell wanted to write a play for the Ensemble Theater. He wanted to write a play of this moment, and of this city. And he wanted to build the show from the ground up around and with trusted collaborators and friends.
And what collaborators he has. With ensemble members Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Jon Michael Hill and Namir Smallwood in the room, we knew that something special was in the works. Along with veteran stage performer Michael Potts and the immensely talented Esco Jouléy, this cast is an embarrassment of riches.
But there’s one final collaborator in the creation of new work: you. Theatre is nothing without an audience—and that’s especially true for Windfall. Thank you for being here, and for being the first to witness this world premiere. Lean in. And enjoy.
Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis
Artistic Directors
STEPPENWOLF PRESENTS
WINDFALL
Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney†
Directed by Awoye Timpo‡
FEATURING
Alana Arenas†*, Glenn Davis†*, Jon Michael Hill†*, Esco Jouléy*, Michael Potts* and Namir Smallwood†*
CREATIVE TEAM
Andrew Boyce+ Scenic Design
Qween Jean+ Costume Design
Jason Lynch+ Lighting Design
Willow James+ Sound Design
Mahmoud Khan Music Director
Marie Ramirez Downing Dialect & Voice Coach
Asiel Hardison Movement Consultant
Bryar Barborka Dramaturg
Patrick Zakem Creative Producer
Tom Pearl Producing Director
JC Clementz, CSA Casting
Michelle Medvin* Production Stage Manager
Kathleen Barrett* Assistant Stage Manager
"WINDFALL” was commissioned by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago; Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Artistic Directors,
E. Brooke Flanagan, Executive Director.
† member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble.
* member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
+ member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 of the IATSE.
‡ member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
CAST
Alana Arenas†* First Lady / Miss Second / The Last One
Glenn Davis†* Marcus
Jon Michael Hill†* Nurse / Cori
Esco Jouléy* Eli
Michael Potts* Henri ‘Mr. Mano' Tamaño
Namir Smallwood†* Officer / Brother 1
UNDERSTUDIES
Robert Hunter Bry Nurse / Cori
DeMorris Burrows Marcus
Bryan Nicholas Carter Officer / Brother 1
Melissa DuPrey* First Lady / Miss Second / The Last One
Willie B. Goodson Henri ‘Mr. Mano' Tamaño
Jalyn Greene Eli
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Jeffrey Steele Assistant Director
Jaquita Ta’le SDCF Observer
Arminda Thomas Dramaturgical Consultant
Bentley Heydt Associate Lighting Design
Emmerich Mager Assistant Sound Design
Lauren Littlejohn Production Assistant
Caroline Michele Uy Script Supervisor
Megan Pirtle Wig Coordinator
Katie Paulsen Costume Assistant
Riley Trzeciak Stitcher
Kenny Behmer, Josh Derby, Billy Earnisse, Kenny Faust, Jim Keith, Johnnie Schleyer Additional Carpenters
Marcus Klein Additional Properties
Zhanna Albertini, Jessica Wardell, Abby West Additional Paint
Windfall will be presented in one act with no intermission.
As a courtesy to the actors and your fellow patrons, please turn off your cell phones before the performance. The taking of photographs and the use of any type of recording device are not allowed in the theater during performances and is a violation of state and federal copyright laws; digital media will be deleted, and tape or film will be confiscated.
Entry and re-entry into the theater after the performance begins is not guaranteed.
The theater reserves the right to limit admission of children younger than the age of six.