Synopsis

WORLD PREMIERE

In the aftermath of her husband's death, a Vietnam War widow tries to rebuild her life. Left to raise her young son under the watchful eye of her mother-in-law, everything changes with the arrival of a mysterious stranger. This world premiere play, commissioned by Steppenwolf, tackles the least exposed corners of the human heart with Bruce Norris' characteristic wit. Purple Heart went to Galway, Ireland in 2003. Find out more about our productions that traveled beyond Chicago.

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Watch & Listen

Purple Heart

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Program Articles

The Pain and the Itch - Artistic Director Martha Lavey's Preview

Martha Lavey explores the themes and potent relevancy of Bruce Norris' The Pain and the Itch.

Plays During Wartime

Backstage asked artistic intern Patrick King to put together a list of some of the productions that could be grouped under the heading “Steppenwolf Goes to War.”

Steppenwolf International

No one in the early days of the company could have foreseen that Steppenwolf would become a recognizable name not just in Chicago and around the United States, but internationally, as well.

The Harold And Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust Supports The Pain and the Itch

Steppenwolf salutes The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust for their uncompromising support of new play development.

Uplifting Isn't His Style: Bruce Norris at Steppenwolf

In all of his plays, Bruce Norris feeds the audience just enough clues about his characters and their circumstances to leave us hungry for more.

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.