Downstate
- Written by Bruce Norris
- Directed by Pam MacKinnon
Presenting the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and National Theatre Production
At a registered address in downstate Illinois, four men convicted of sex crimes share a group home where they live out their days post-incarceration. When a man shows up to confront his childhood abuser, it becomes hard to locate the line between justice and retribution. This gripping, provocative new play from Pulitzer Prize winner Bruce Norris zeroes in on the limits of compassion and forgiveness.
Downstate was co-commissioned and its world premiere was presented by Steppenwolf Theatre Company (Anna Shapiro, Artistic Director; David Schmitz, Executive Director) and The National Theatre, London (Rufus Norris, Artistic Director; Lisa Burger, Executive Director).
This production has received generous support from the Roy Cockrum Foundation and the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
Age Recommendation: Due to adult language and subject matter, this play is best suited for ages 16+.
Run Time: 2 hours 25 minutes with one intermission.
For more details, please reference our Content Transparency section below. *May contain plot spoilers.
Content Transparency Statement
Downstate contains mature content and themes including:
- Discussions and sometimes graphic descriptions of child abuse, rape, sexual assault, and pedophilia
- Graphic depiction of self-harm, including a simulated suicide by hanging
- Drug use
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/about-afsp
Playwrights Horizons is committed to sharing information with our audiences about any topics or sensory experiences which people may find triggering or distressing in advance of attending any of our productions or events.
If you have any additional questions about content, age-appropriateness, or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please utilize our Audience Services Form or contact the box office directly at 212 279 4200 or tickets@phnyc.org.