The Dance of Death

By August Strindberg
In a new version by Conor McPherson
Directed by Henry Wishcamper

April 1 - August 3, 2014

Location: 664 Vernon Ave | Get Directions ›

Running Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission

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August Strindberg’s masterpiece tells the deliciously venomous story of a crumbling marriage—laced with black comedy and biting humor. As their 25th anniversary approaches, military captain Edgar and his wife, Alice, face off in a fierce battle of wills. Their sparring proves both harrowing and hilarious, amplified by the voice of celebrated playwright Conor McPherson (Port Authority, The Seafarer, Shining City, Dublin Carol). His adaptation brings lyricism and ferocity to the story of the tyrannical captain and his manipulative wife, and the “innocent” Kurt who stumbles into their midst and quickly finds himself ensnared in the couple’s wicked game.

About
Showtimes
Artists
Reviews

About the Play

In the intimate confines of the Writers bookstore space, this Dance will leave you gasping at every barbed word and sly seduction.

Showtimes

Writers Theatre performs Tuesday – Sunday evenings, with select matinee performances.For a full calendar of shows, visit our online show calendar.

Run time of the show: 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission

For performances listed as “Sold Out” we offer the option for standby tickets. Please contact the Box Office at 847-242-6000 for more information, or to arrange standby tickets for a performance.

Showtimes

Evenings
Tuesday – Wednesday 7:30pm
Thursday – Saturday 8:00pm
Sunday 6:00pm

Matinees
Wednesday 2:00pm
Saturday 4:00pm
Sunday 2:00pm

See Full Show Calendar ›

Meet the Artists

Shannon Cochran*
(Alice)

Philip Earl Johnson*
(Kurt)

Larry Yando*
(Edgar)

Henry Wishcamper (Director)
Kevin Depinet (Scenic Designer)
Rachel Laritz (Costume Designer)
Keith Parham (Lighting Designer)
Josh Schmidt (Sound Designer)
Julie Eberhardt (Props Designer)
Tommy Rapley (Choreographer)
Greg Allen (Assistant Director)
Rebecca Pechter (Stage Manager)
Mallory Bass (Assistant Stage Manager)

*Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers

Reviews

“As good as it can possibly be!
What [Larry Yando and Shannon Cochran] do here…is so
horrifically compelling as to be almost beyond praise.”
–The Wall Street Journal

“Pure dynamite! Every second is worth the price of admission.”

– Chicago Sun-Times

“Intensely intimate. An impassioned, fever dream of a play.”
– Chicago Tribune

“The Dance of Death is mesmerizing. Emblazon it on your must-see list.”
– Chicago on the Aisle

“A scalding production!
The stunning acting…grips the viewer with uncompromising intensity.”
– Chicagoland Theater Reviews

“A must-see! You will be glued to your seat.”
– Around the Town Chicago

“Don’t miss this mesmerizing evening of theater.
An emotional roller coaster ride!”
– Chicago Splash