Photo Flash: Inside Rehearsal for BLKS at Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the world premiere production of BLKS by award-winning poet and playwright Aziza Barnes and directed by Nataki Garrett. An uproarious and frank play, the acclaimed Chicago-based cast features ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin /Sosa/Dominican Dude) with Leea Ayers (June), Nora Carroll (Octavia), Celeste Cooper (Imani), Danielle Davis (Ry) and Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch on the Couch/White Woman). BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

BLKS begins previews December 7, 2017, opening night is December 18 and the production runs through January 28, 2018 in the Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St. Press performances are Monday, December 18 at 7:30pm and Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30pm.

F**ked up sh*t happens. After an unsavory wake-up call, Octavia decides to put off her troubles and have one last turn up with her friends. In poet Aziza Barnes's ingenious portrait of a day in the life of four young black women discovering life's uncomfortable truths in New York City, BLKS explores the joy and anguish of growing up and out. Riotously funny and distinctly rendered, Barnes's playwriting debut marks the arrival of a truly original contemporary American voice.

The BLKS production team includes Sibyl Wickersheimer (scenic design), Trevor Bowen (costume design), Marcus Doshi (lighting design), Rasean Davonte Johnson (projection design), T. Carlis Roberts (sound design & original music) and Gigi Buffington (Company Vocal Coach). Additional credits include Malcolm Ewen (stage manager), Cassie Calderone (assistant stage manager), JC Clementz (casting director) andAnna D. Shapiro (artistic producer).

Single tickets ($20-$89) are available at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org. Pay Your Age previews available December 7-17.

Photo Credit: Juli Del Prete

(front) Celeste Cooper (Imani) and Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch on the Couch/White Woman); (rear) director Nataki Garrett, playwright Aziza Barnes and script supervisor Regina Victor

Celeste Cooper (Imani), Nora Carroll (Octavia) and Leea Ayers (June)

Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch on the Couch/White Woman) and Celeste Cooper (Imani)

Nora Carroll (Octavia) and ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin /Sosa/Dominican Dude)

Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch on the Couch/White Woman) and Celeste Cooper (Imani)

Ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin /Sosa/Dominican Dude) and Nora Carroll (Octavia)

Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch on the Couch/White Woman), Danielle Davis (Ry), Nora Carroll (Octavia) and Celeste Cooper (Imani)

The company of BLKS in rehearsal at Steppenwolf

Celeste Cooper (Imani), Kelly O'Sullivan (That Bitch on the Couch/White Woman) and director Nataki Garrett

Ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Justin /Sosa/Dominican Dude) and Nora Carroll (Octavia)

Playwright Aziza Barnes and director Nataki Garrett

Playwright Aziza Barnes

Leea Ayers (June) and Namir Smallwood (Justin /Sosa/Dominican Dude)

Director Nataki Garrett, playwright Aziza Barnes and script supervisor Regina Victor

Celeste Cooper (Imani)