Photo Flash: First Look at BLKS by Aziza Barnes at Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the world premiere production of BLKS by award-winning poet and playwright Aziza Barnes and directed by Nataki Garrett. BLKS began previews December 7, 2017, opening night is Monday, December 18 and the production runs through January 28, 2018 in the Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

A bold, hilarious and breakthrough play, the acclaimed cast features ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin/Sosa/Dominican Dude) with Leea Ayers (June), Nora Carroll (Octavia), Celeste Cooper (Imani), Danielle Davis (Ry) and Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch on the Couch).

F**ked up sh*t happens. After an unsavory wake-up call, Octavia decides to put off her troubles and have one last turn up with her friends. In poet Aziza Barnes's ingenious portrait of a day in the life of four young black women discovering life's uncomfortable truths in New York City, BLKS explores the joy and anguish of growing up and out. Riotously funny and distinctly rendered, Barnes's playwriting debut marks the arrival of a truly original contemporary American voice.

The BLKS production team includes Sibyl Wickersheimer (scenic design), Trevor Bowen (costume design), Marcus Doshi (lighting design), Rasean Davonte Johnson(projection design), T. Carlis Roberts (sound design & original music) and Gigi Buffington (Company Vocal Coach). Additional credits include Malcolm Ewen (stage manager), Cassie Calderone (assistant stage manager), JC Clementz (casting director) and Anna D. Shapiro (artistic producer).

Single tickets ($20-$89) are available at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Leea Ayes (June), Celeste M. Cooper (Imani) and Nora Carroll (Octavia)

Nora Carroll (Octavia), Leea Ayers (June) and Celeste M. Cooper (Imani)

Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch On The Couch) and Celeste M. Cooper (Imani)

Ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin) and Leea Ayers (June)

Leea Ayers (June) and Nora Carroll (Octavia)

Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch On The Couch), Danielle Davis (Ry)

Celeste M. Cooper (Imani)

Nora Carroll (Octavia)

Leea Ayers (June)

Ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin), Leea Ayers (June) and Danielle Davis (Ry)

Ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin)

Danielle Davis (Ry) and Nora Carroll (Octavia)

Nora Carroll (Octavia) and ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin)