What Is Left, Burns at Steppenwolf Theater Company

The world premiere of What Is Left, Burns, the first of six works that are a part of Steppenwolf NOW virtual stage, will be released for streaming beginning November 11, 2020.

The world premiere of What Is Left, Burns, the first of six works that are a part of Steppenwolf NOW virtual stage, will be released for streaming beginning NOVEMBER 11, 2020. Written by James Ijames and directed by Whitney White, the play was commissioned for the Steppenwolf virtual stage and features ensemble members K. Todd Freeman (Keith) and Jon Michael Hill (Ronnie) with stunning video and photography design by Lowell Thomas and Joel Moorman with an original soundtrack composed by Justin Ellington. Virtual Memberships ($75) are on sale now to Steppenwolf NOW, which grant access to all six productions on the virtual stage, including What Is Left, Burns. Press are invited to review; RSVP here.

Two poets separated by age and distance engage in a video call rendezvous after fifteen years. Keith, a distinguished poet and professor of literature is moving towards retirement after a recent divorce from his wife. Ronnie, his younger former lover and mentee, has a New York Times bestselling book and a burgeoning career ahead of him. The two men wade through the connection they once had as they struggle with the desires that still bind them.

Associate Artistic Director Leelai Demoz shares, "James Ijames has written this beautiful short play that feels like a complete experience. You are taken on a journey through an emotional mine field of two lovers connecting after a long time. It feels so completely about the time we are living through now. Whitney White's unifying vision of this filmed world has elevated the play in a unique way. Watching their process so closely has been a privilege."

James Ijames and Whitney White are the same team behind The Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington, which had to postpone its Steppenwolf debut this past APRIL due to the pandemic.

What Is Left, Burns creative team features Justin Ellington (Sound Design & Original Music), Joel Moorman (Creative Director), Lowell Thomas (Director of Photography & Video Editor), JC Clementz and Leelai Demoz (Artistic Producers), Claire Haupt (Production Manager), JC Clementz (Casting Director), Laura D. Glenn (Stage Manager) and Christine D. Freeburg (Assistant Stage Manager).