Steppenwolf Theatre, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the Chicago premiere of “The Book of Grace,” an incendiary family portrait by Suzan-Lori Parks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of “Topdog/Underdog.”
Grace looks for the good in everything: in her husband’s rules, in the border he patrols, in the return of his estranged son. But a want for goodness cannot unwind the past, as this taut family reunion explodes in all directions.
Witness this startling reminder that the search for common ground can be bloody and brutal, leaving casualties on every side of the divide.
“The Book of Grace” offers playwright Parks an opportunity to revisit this “companion” to “Topdog/Underdog,” deepening and expanding the world of her play for the present day.
I was fortunate to attend the press opening on April 6. “The Book of Grace” is a look at the dynamics between a son and father that is not short on suspenseful moments and scenes of friction between the two.
I love to see Namir Smallwood in anything. He is such a masterful actor—both on stage and on television and the movies. He plays the son, Buddy, in this production.
He comes home after more than a decade to see his father, who has mixed feelings about his son and the fact that he hasn’t seen him in 15 years.
Buddy has secrets about what he has been doing during the past years. He is not this decorated military man that he purports to be. More likely, he has aligned himself with woke social media groups—thereby eschewing much of what his father believes.
Brian Marable plays the father, Vet, who is a staunch Army veteran who takes his job as a border agent seriously, not showing any mercy.
Zainab Jah plays the stepmother, Grace, who works as a waitress and is so meek and humble—but she has secrets of her own, while surviving under her husband’s iron claw and narcissistic personality. She is committed to brokering peace between Vet and Buddy.
Smallwood is an ensemble member who has performed in a number of Steppenwolf plays. The last time I saw him at the Theatre was right before COVID took a stronghold on the world in the 2020 production of “Bug.”
All three actors are splendid in this family drama that will have you cursing under your breath at Vet; cheering for Grace’s independence and peace; and praying that Buddy can find some resolution and deliverance from the rage that is slowly devouring him.
The play is directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, who said: “The Book of Grace specifically is dealing with the evidence of good in the world. A reunion between father and son, who has a scarred past and they come together—hopefully to heal themselves unexpectedly and intentionally through grace.
“There’s the wife of a veteran who is the stepmother of the son who comes home. And it’s a reunion of sorts. The father works in border patrol, and the conversation around immigration is on display.
“[It is about] ‘us vs them.’ Globally, nationally and even within communities. It talks about what separates us and borders that we put up to protect what is ours. So those are the things that are obstacles in the way of this reunion.”
So many good theatre productions are happening in the Chicago area—particularly those speaking to the Black experience. As the weather changes and the days become longer, I encourage community members to go and enjoy live theater.
Take a look at the trailer: https://tinyurl.com/wcujuyut.
Founded in 1976, Steppenwolf started as a group of teens performing in the basement of a church. Today, the company’s artistic force remains rooted in the original vision of its founders: an artist-driven theatre, whose vitality is defined by its appetite for bold and innovative work.
The Book of Grace continues through May 18, in Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater, located at 1646 N. Halsted St.
Single tickets start at $20 and are on sale at steppenwolf.org or the Box Office at (312) 335-1650.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood-South Side of Chicago (lulu.com)