Steppenwolf's THE BROTHER/SISTER PLAYS continue With IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER & More

Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 2009-2010 season, an exploration of the theme of belief, with The Brother/Sister Plays: In the Red and Brown Water, The Brothers Size and Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet by Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by ensemble member Tina Landau from January 21 - May 23, 2010 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted.

Steppenwolf will present The Brother/Sister Plays in repertory, with In the Red and Brown Water on one evening, in alternation with the two shorter plays The Brothers Size and Marcus on the other. The plays can easily be enjoyed independently, but gain a special resonance when experienced in collection. The press performances are Saturday, January 30 at 3 p.m. (In the Red and Brown Water) and 7:30 p.m. (Brothers Size/Marcus) - press are strongly encouraged to view both programs.

The Brother/Sister Plays feature ensemble members Alana Arenas, K. Todd Freeman and Ora Jones with Phillip James Brannon, Rodrick Covington, Glenn Davis (1/21 - 3/21), Jeff Parker, Tamberla Perry and Jacqueline Williams.

A breakthrough theatrical event: three interconnected plays by a brilliant new American voice. Grand in scope, yet intimate and heartfelt, Tarell Alvin McCraney's plays are daring, funny and genuine. On the banks of a steamy bayou, the tiny community of San Pere, Louisiana springs to life with stories of love, sexuality and coming-of-age. Influenced by lively Afro-Caribbean folklore, The Brother/Sister Plays explore the struggles that arise when the quest for self identity is at odds with community values.

Tarell Alvin McCraney and ensemble member Tina Landau have collaborated on five productions, including In the Red and Brown Water at NY's Public Theater, New Jersey's McCarter Theatre Center and Atlanta's Alliance Theatre. The Brother/Sister Plays have also been presented individually in Atlanta, Dublin, London and New York. McCraney's hit play Wig Out! premiered at New York's Vineyard Theater (directed by Landau) and was later presented at London's Royal Court Theatre. McCraney also appeared in Landau's Theatrical Essays at Steppenwolf. Tina Landau's directing credits include Superior Donuts by ensemble member Tracy Letts (currently running on Broadway), The Tempest, The Diary of Anne Frank, Cherry Orchard, The Time of Your Life (also Seattle Rep, A.C.T.), The Berlin Circle and her own play, Space (also NY's Public Theater, Mark Taper Forum).

The design team for The Brother/Sister Plays includes: James Schuette (sets), Scott Zielinski (lights) and Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound and composition). Deb Styer is the Stage Manager and Rose Marie Packer is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Ticket prices: Previews: $20-$48

Regular Run: $20-$70

Twenty $20 tickets are available at Audience Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of each performance (1:00 p.m. for Sunday performances). Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show. Student discounts available.

Audience Services: 1650 N. Halsted, 312-335-1650

Online ticketing available at www.steppenwolf.org

The Brother/Sister Plays Wine Tasting Night: Enjoy wine and food pairings from Vinci Restaurant while our DJ spins tunes in our balcony lobby: Wednesday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. Tasting and performance cost $60 per person. For tickets and additional information, contact Audience Services.

The Brother/Sister Plays MaTEENée performance for high school students will be held on Saturday, April 3 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and include: a ticket to the performance, lunch and a post-show discussion with actors featured in the production - hosted by Steppenwolf's Young Adults Council.

Free post-show discussions are offered after every performance.

Photo credit: (left to right) Ensemble members Ora Jones, Alana Arenas and K. Todd Freeman.

Photo by Callie Lipkin

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