We are honored to finally welcome you to 1919—our first Steppenwolf for Young Adults live programming in three years. For decades, Steppenwolf for Young Adults has produced sophisticated, challenging and vital performances for Chicago teens, and we have been counting down the days until 1919 for months. The return of SYA is all the more exciting because of the incredible team of Black Women at the helm of the show. We are so thrilled to have spent the last year working with J. Nicole Brooks, Gabby Randle-Bent, Tasia A. Jones and Eve L. Ewing on bringing their vision to young Chicagoans.
We consider Steppenwolf for Young Adults an authentic pipeline between our ensemble culture of collaboration and the newest generation of artists and appreciators. While this programming is created for teens, we curate the work so that it speaks to intergenerational audiences and challenges both teens and adults, as citizens of the world we share. With that intergenerational spirit, we’d now like to pass the mic to two of our Young Adult Council members, Vicky and Isabella who welcome you to the production!
Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis
Artistic Directors
We are so excited to welcome you to Steppenwolf and to the Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) production of 1919!
We’re Vicky and Isabella. We are members of Steppenwolf’s Young Adult Council, Chicago Public School students and your teen curators for this production.
As teen curators, we had the honor of joining the wonderful Steppenwolf Education Staff and Teaching Artists in their journey with this play. Together, we explored how to introduce students to this beautiful play through our in-school residency programs as well as to the general public experiencing the show!
When we first read the play, we were in shock: 1919 is a play that unearths and interrogates deep truths rooted in our history and culture. This show deals with sensitive topics and displays acts of racism that still impact society today.
While learning about this history and watching this show, it is imperative to treat yourself and your peers with kindness and empathy. We hope you approach the show with open minds and open hearts, as you prepare to connect to the history of the city and how it reverberates today. With us.
We hope that this show empowers everyone to confront our pasts and imagine a more hopeful future. We hope you all can find the same connection that we did with this beautiful work of art and join us in both navigating complex conversations but also celebrating this city’s resilience. We hope everyone can learn something from this story while also being generous with themselves and what they need when dissecting a heavy past.
And again, thank you for joining us on this investigation of our past, present, and future through theater!
STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS PRESENTS
1919
By Eve L. Ewing
Adapted by J. Nicole Brooks
Directed by Gabrielle Randle-Bent and Tasia A. Jones
FEATURING
Sheldon D. Brown*, DeMorris Burrows, LaQuis Harkins, Max Thomas, Sola Thompson, Jessica Dean Turner*, and Alexis Ward
CREATIVE TEAM
Yu Shibagaki+ Scenic Design
Gregory Graham Costume Design
Jason Lynch+ Lighting Design
Mikhail Fiksel+ Sound Design
Meida McNeal & Abra Johnson Movement Direction
Abhi Shrestha Dramaturg
Stan Brown Vocal Coach
Alex Lee Reed SYA Producer
Elise Hausken Production Manager
JC Clementz, CSA Casting Director
Michelle Medvin* Production Stage Manager
Nikki Konomos Assistant Stage Manager
1919 was commissioned, and its world premiere presented at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, IL; Anna D. Shapiro, Artistic Director, 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.
CAST
Sheldon D. Brown* Human 5
DeMorris Burrows Human 2
LaQuis Harkins Human 1 (Oct 22–Nov 5)
Max Thomas Human 3
Sola Thompson Human 6
Jessica Dean Turner* Human 1 (through Oct 22)
Alexis Ward Human 4
UNDERSTUDIES
Tafadzwa Diener Human 4
LaQuis Harkins Human 1 & 6
Matthew Lolar Human 2 & 5
Austin Winter Human 3
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Devin Christor Assistant Director
Josh Smith Roller Skating Consultant
Jeanette Rodriguez Costume Design Assistant
Jonah Schnell Associate Lighting Design
Willow James Associate Sound Design
Charlene Walkanoff Production Assistant
Lauren Littlejohn Script Supervisor
Lauren Peters COVID Safety Manager
Emma Schoenfelner Dresser
Eli Hunstad First Hand
Lyndsie Crawford, Eric Guy Stitchers
Kenny Faust, Tim Martin, Carolyn Voss Additional Carpenters
Bren Coombs, Danielle Moyal, Camille Toshiko Peotter Additional Properties
Amy Couey, Meghan Erxleben Additional Paint
This play will be presented without an intermission.
As a courtesy to the actors and your fellow patrons, please turn off your cell phones before the performance.
Entry and re-entry into the theater after the performance begins is not guaranteed.
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.
All patrons are required to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times. There is no eating or drinking in the theater.