Exploring the season theme "Create a Movement: The Art of Revolution," the Chicago-based theatre company production will continue performances through Nov. 9. The adaptation of the classic revolutionary novel is by Althos Low.
Directed by SYA artistic and educational director Hallie Gordon, the cast features Will Allan, Jasmine Bracey, Lucy Carapetyan, Amelia Hefferon, Matt Kahler, Mildred Marie Langford, Blake Montgomery, Dana Murphy, Lance Newton and Sean Parris.
"George Orwell's revolutionary masterpiece comes to the stage with Steppenwolf for Young Adults' world premiere adaptation of 'Animal Farm,'" press notes state. "After revolting against the reign of their negligent human master, the animals of Mr. Jones's farm create their own ideal society in which all animals are equal and rules are set by democratic vote. It's all working pretty well until the allure of power leads the animals to a chilling fate. Animal Farm illustrates how new tyranny replaces old and power corrupts even the noblest of causes."
"We have been delighted by the enthusiastic response from educators and audiences eager to see this classic come to life onstage. 'Animal Farm' is a very timely piece that is in direct conversation with our season-long exploration of what it takes for us to create movements and ignite revolutions," Gordon said in a statement. "Today, in our technology-driven landscape, anyone can generate ideas that travel quickly around the world: any individual, any politician, any community organizer, any tech innovator, any artist. But what does it take to create a movement? A desire for change is required for something to become more than an idea. So how does that happen? What is the art of a revolution?"
For the Animal Farm collaboration, co-founder Steve Pickering serves as adaptor, playwright Alice Austen as co-adaptor and SLT house artists Fred Baxter and Tom Kyzivat provide pre-production art and dramaturgy. Tickets and more information are available by calling (312) 335-1650 or visiting steppenwolf.org.