Discussion follows fml: how Carson McCullers saved my life, supplementing city-wide dialogue about homophobia and anti-gay bullying
CHICAGO (February 29, 2012) — Steppenwolf for Young Adults is pleased to announce a special post-show discussion with Bill and Dan Savage about homophobia and anti-gay bullying—topics raised by Sarah Gubbins' fml: how Carson McCullers saved my life (February 28 — March 18, 2012). Dan Savage is author of the highly-acclaimed, nationally syndicated sex column Savage Love, and co-creator of the 'It Gets Better Project,' a campaign to bring hope to gay teens struggling with bullying due to their sexuality. Bill Savage, Dan's brother, is a Senior Lecturer in English at Northwestern University. This special discussion is open to all audience members with tickets to the March 9 performance.
"We are thrilled to welcome Bill and Dan to Steppenwolf for this special event. Their perspective on this topic will greatly contribute to the discussion started by Sarah's play, a topic that is so important to teens in Chicago," comments Artistic and Educational Director for SYA, Hallie Gordon.
Steppenwolf for Young Adults concludes its 2011/12 season with fml: how Carson McCullers saved my life, a world premiere by Sarah Gubbins, inspired by Carson McCullers' The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter, and directed by Joanie Schultz in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N. Halsted St). Tickets ($15-$20) can be purchased by calling (312) 335-1650 or online at www.steppenwolf.org . March 10 and 17 are Pay-What-You-can.
"Sarah Gubbins' play shines a spotlight on the critical role that we as educators play in helping students navigate the issues and challenges that are most central to their lives. We applaud the Steppenwolf Theater Company for continuing this public dialogue and raising awareness on an issue that not only educators, but all Chicagoans, have a duty to address" comments CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Jean-Claude Brizard.
Steppenwolf for Young Adults' unique approach combines play production with educational components to enhance arts education for young audiences, as well as their teachers and families. SYA creates two full-scale professional productions each season specifically for teens. Working closely with the Chicago Public and metropolitan area schools and other community partners, SYA annually ensures access to the theater for more than 15,000 participants from Chicago's diverse communities. The initiative also includes post-show discussions with artists; classroom residencies led by Steppenwolf-trained teaching artists in more than 30 classrooms in 14 public high schools; professional development workshops for educators; and the Young Adult Council, an innovative year-round after school initiative that uniquely engages high school students in all areas of the theater's operations.
Steppenwolf is located near all forms of public transportation and is wheelchair accessible. Street and lot parking are available. Assistive listening devices are available for every performance in the Upstairs or Downstairs Theatres.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, IL (Martha Lavey, Artistic Director; David Hawkanson, Executive Director) is one of the nation's leading ensemble theatres, producing up to 16 productions each year in its three Chicago theater spaces — including programming dedicated to the development of new plays and theatre for young adults. Steppenwolf's productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including off-Broadway, Broadway, London, Sydney and Dublin. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 43 actors, writers and directors. For additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org, www.facebook.com/SteppenwolfTheatre and www.twitter.com/SteppenwolfThtr.
