**** Highly Recommended My first reaction after seeing Steppenwolf’s production of The Dance of Death was a heartfelt WOW! August Strindberg wrote an awesome play; Conor McPherson’s new adaptation and stellar acting brought the already dark humor into sharper focus – and more laughs. This play, which is like a “master class in marital warfare,” kept me on the edge of my seat. It might have been the inspiration for the 1989 film, The War of the Roses. 4 BIG Spotlights
There are only three characters in The Dance of Death, The Captain (Jeff Parry) and his wife, Alice (Kathryn Erbe), who have been married – and in a constant state of war – for nearly 25 years. These two people loathe each other, each conversation escalating from tedium to tension to vicious attacks. And yet, one can somehow sense that they’ll be together forever.
Jeff Parry & Kathryn Erbe in The Dance of Death. Photo by Michael Brosilow
They live in a tower (a former prison) which is part of ancient fortress on an island off Denmark which Alice calls “Little Hell.” Edgar, the Captain, is an embittered veteran who has made an enemy of almost everyone on the base. They can’t keep a servant because of the isolation, which means cold meals because Alice can’t cook. Their children are off-island in boarding school because each parent tried to turn them against the other.
Then Alice’s cousin, Kurt (Cliff Chamberlain), a civilian who is supposed to build a quarantine station, arrives on the island and suddenly they have a new target. Both try to get him on their side using whatever works. Edgar considers Kurt less than a man because he lost custody of his children, then later reveals that he arranged for that to happen. Alice tries to seduce Kurt, trying to lure him into joining in her revenge plot against Edgar. When Kurt declares they’re both monsters and leaves, Edgar and Alice are right back where they started.
(l. to r.) Cliff Chamberlain, Jeff Parry, Kathryn Erbe. Photo by Michael Brosilow
Kudos to Scenic Designer Collette Pollard! Her set is absolutely awesome! The action takes place in a sparsely furnished round room, the first level in a stark stone tower displaying barred openings on at least two levels above. The former prison also has grilled openings in the floor, over former cells below. Kudos to Lighting Designer Lee Fiskness for the way the lights under the floor makes for spooky shadows on the tower wall. Finally, Kudos to Costume Designer Ana Kuzmanic. The Captain’s military uniform even includes a gold-lined cape and a spiked helmet, while Alice’s shirtwaist dresses have a Gibson Girl look.
Jeff Parry in The Dance of Death. Photo by Michael Brosilow
The Dance of Death was written by August Strindberg in 1900. The Steppenwolf production was adapted by Conor McPherson. It is directed by Yasen Peyankov with an all-ensemble cast. An interesting note: After getting positive feedback on the play, Strindberg wrote a second full length play, The Dance of Death II.
The Dance of Death runs through March 22nd in the Downstairs Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago. Parking is available for a fee in the Steppenwolf Garage. Valet parking is also available.
Jeff Parry & Kathryn Erbe in The Dance of Death. Photo by Michael Brosilow
Running time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, with an intermission. Performances: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 & 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3:00 pm. There will be an additional 2:00 pm performance on Wednesday, March 11th. There will not be a 7:30 pm performance on Tuesday, February 17th; Wednesday, February 25th; Thursday, February 26th; or Tuesdays, March 3rd & 17th; and there will not be a 3:00 pm performance on Saturday, March 14th.
Tickets range from $20-$148.50. FYI (312) 335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org