Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with Steppenwolf for Young Adults' THIS IS MODERN ART

Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) presents This Is Modern Art (based on true events) written by acclaimed playwright and hip-hop artist Idris Goodwin (Blackademics, How We Got On) and "Louder Than A Bomb" founder Kevin Coval. Directed by Lisa Portes, this world premiere production concludes SYA's 2014/15 season, which explores the theme, "Create a Movement: The Art of Revolution." This Is Modern Art (based on true events) runs February 25 - March 14, 2015 in the Downstairs Theatre. The press performance is on Saturday, February 28 at 3pm. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal!

The crew of Made U Look (MUL) is willing to risk anything for their art. Called vandals, criminals, even creative terrorists, these Chicago graffiti artists set out night after night to make their voices heard and alter the way people view the world. But when the crew finishes the biggest graffiti bomb of their careers, the consequences get serious and spark a public debate asking, where does art belong? This Is Modern Art (based on true events) provides a glimpse into the lives of anonymous graffiti artists and asks us to question the true purpose of art.

The cast features Brittani Arlandis Green (ensemble), Jerry MacKinnon (Seven), J. Salomé Martinez Jr (Jose/JC), Kelly O'Sullivan(Selena), Jessie D. Prez (Dose) and Chris Rickett (ensemble).

The production team includes Brian Sidney Bembridge (scenic design), Elsa Hiltner (costume design), J.R. Lederle (lighting design),Thomas Dixon (sound design) and Liviu Pasare (video design). Additional credits include Erica Daniels (casting) and Jonathan Nook(stage manager).

Tickets to public performances of This Is Modern Art (based on true events) are $20 and available through Audience Services (1650 N Halsted St), 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org. Student Discounts: a limited number of $15 student tickets are available through Audience Services (1650 N Halsted St) or by calling 312-335-1650. Must present a valid student ID for each ticket.

A special post-show discussion between Playwright Kevin Coval and a panel of graffiti artists will take place Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm in the Downstairs Theatre. Steppenwolf hosts The Scene, an event specifically for teens, and curated by the Young Adult Council on Saturday, May 7 after the 7:30pm performance.

This Is Modern Art (based on true events) was first presented as a rehearsed reading in May 2014 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as a part of New Visions/New Voices 2014.

Photo Credit: Joel Moorman

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