Steep Theatre season includes plays from Britain and Germany

Four of Chicago’s most skillful directors — Jonathan Berry, Joanie Schultz, Robin Witt and Shade Murray — are set to helm Steep Theatre’s 2014-2015 season, which will feature two U.S. premieres and two plays receiving their Midwest debuts.

“There’s a magical element to this season, which has everyone incredibly excited,” said artistic director Peter Moore, in a prepared statement. “There’s a bit whimsy, a bit of fun, and a little bit of the spiritual. We’re also excited to be presenting a group of playwrights who are largely unknown to Chicago audiences. These are four incredibly gifted writers, three of whom have never been produced in Chicago. We’re all chomping at the bit to share these stories with our audiences.”

Here’s the complete lineup:

± “The Vandal” (Oct. 2-Nov. 8): In this Midwest premiere by Hamish Linklater, directed by Murray, a pair of lost souls come to find solace and companionship in one another during a freezing night at a bus stop in Kingston, NY. Linklater’s play takes a startling and funny look at how we carry on without the people

± “The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle” (Jan. 22-Feb. 28, 215): In this Midwest premiere by Ross Dungan, directed by Berry, we meet Argyle, who is having a bad Sunday. It’s late, he’s still in his pajamas, people are staring at him, and he died two days ago. Steep is the first U.S. company to present this heartwarming, magical British play about lives lived without regret.

± “Martyr” (April 16-May 23, 2015): The U.S. premiere of Marius Von Mayenburg’s play, directed by Schultz. When Benjamin begins espousing Fundamentalist Christian beliefs is mother and teachers are alarmed. Is it a ploy to ditch swimming class, or is it something more? This production will bring one of Germany’s most widely produced playwrights to Chicago audiences.

± “Brilliant Adventures” (July 9-Aug. 15, 2015): The U.S. premiere of 27-year-old British writer Alistair McDowall’s play, directed by Witt (whose stunning Griffin Theatre production of “Men Should Weep” runs through Aug. 10 at Raven Theatre, and should not be missed). Tucked away in his dingy apartment, Luke has invented a device that could change the world – if only he thought the world was ready for it. When an opportunistic outsider arrives with designs on his invention and apartment, Luke’s family and the universe itself are at risk of being torn apart.

Steep Theatre is located at 1115 W. Berwyn. Subscriptions ($80) are currently available. Call (866) 811-4111 or visit http://www.steeptheatre.com.