Steppenwolf for Young Adults Presents 'Harriet Jacobs'

Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its Steppenwolf for Young Adults 2007-2008 Season with the world premiere of Harriet Jacobs by Lydia R. Diamond and directed by Hallie Gordon.  The play is based on the life of Harriet Jacobs, author of the book Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.  The production, featuring Christoph Horton Abiel, Kenn E. Head, Errón Jay, Nambi E. Kelley, Leslie Ann Sheppard, Celeste Williams, Genevieve VenJohnson and Sean Walton, runs February 5 – March 2, 2008 in the Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted.

In her book Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Harriet Jacobs describes with brutal honesty the hardships she endures under slavery, including the extraordinary choices she makes to be near her children. To survive, she escapes into her imagination and through writing, discovers hope for a better life.  Accompanied by the rich musical traditions of slave spirituals, Harriet Jacobs is an inspiring look at a young woman's fascinating journey from slavery to freedom.

Lydia R. Diamond's adaptation of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye was produced in 2005 and 2006 in the Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, directed by Hallie Gordon.  The production transferred Off-Broadway to The New Victory Theatre in November of 2006.  Diamond and Gordon developed Harriet Jacobs at the Kennedy Center New Visions/New Voices program.  Harriet Jacobs is a world premiere funded by the Steppenwolf New Plays Initiative.

Harriet Jacobs is directed by Hallie Gordon.  The design team includes: Collette Pollard (sets), JR Lederle (lights), Ana Kuzmanic (costumes), Victoria DeIorio (sound), Lisa Johnson-Willingham (choreography) and McKinley Johnson (composer)  Jocelyn Prince is the dramaturg.  Calyn P. Swain is the stage manager.

Performance schedule: February 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29 and March 1-2.  Show times: Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets ($20) are available at 1650 N. Halsted, calling (312) 335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org

Nambi E. Kelley (Harriet) in Harriet Jacobs.  Photo by Sandro.