Isaac's Eye

About the Play

Artistic Director Michael Halberstam brings this new play by one of the country's most exciting young playwrights to the Writers Theatre bookstore-- the ideal opening to our 23rd season!

"Isaac's Eye is a witty, sharp and keenly charged piece of writing. Although the story may be an historic one, Lucas Hnath tells it in a very contemporary style, and with a refreshingly original voice. Furthermore, we get to explore this sharply defined jewel in the intimate confines of our bookstore theatre. 

With our fiercely skilled cast, it makes for an ideal conversation to start the season."

-Artistic Director Michael Halberstam

Isaac's Eye contains mature themes and is not intended for younger audiences.

Showtimes

Meet the Artists

	LaShawn Banks (Actor/Dying Man)
	Marc Grapey (Robert Hooke -) 9/2-12/14
	Jürgen Hooper  (Isaac Newton)
	Elizabeth Ledo (Catherine)
	Jeff Parker (Robert Hooke -  12/16-12/21)

Michael Halberstam (Director)
Stephen Schellhardt (Assistant Director)
Collette Pollard (Scenic Designer)
Jenny Mannis (Costume Designer)
Keith Parham (Lighting Designer)
Mikhail Fiksel (Sound Designer)
D.J. Reed (Properties Designer)
Bobby Kennedy (Dramaturg)

Reviews

“Highly recommended!  Ingeniously imagined,
surprisingly passionate [and] deliciously satisfying.”
– Chicago Sun-Times

“Smart, stimulating and fast-moving. ”
– Chicago Tribune

“[With] four rooted and revelatory performances,
Isaac’s Eye is that rarity – thinking theater with a huge heart.”
– Chicago Stage and Cinema

“Ingenious! An engrossing, fabulously acted, night at the theatre.
You’ll enjoy this unique play.”
– Chicago Critic

“Captivating. A wonderful theatrical experiment!”
– Make It Better

Special Events

Inside the Work of Lucas Hnath

Sunday, October 5th   |   4:30-5:30pm   |   Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave
Free   |   RSVP Required to rsvp@writerstheatre.org or 847-242-6018
Join Michael Halberstam (director of Isaac’s Eye) and Heidi Stillman (director of Lucas Hnath's Death Tax at Lookingglass Theatre Company) for a lively discussion about interpreting and staging the stylistically innovative works of playwright Lucas Hnath, one of the most exciting writers working today.

A Tale of Two Plays: Chicago Theatre and the Works of Lucas Hnath

Sunday, October 12   |   4:30pm   |   Lookingglass Theatre Company, 821 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago
Free   |   No RSVP required
Chicago’s theatrical institutions have embraced the words of budding playwright Lucas Hnath. Join us in a conversation between Heidi Stillman (Lookingglass Theatre Director, Death Tax) and Michael Halberstam (Writers Theatre Director, Isaac’s Eye) as they discuss the similarities, differences, and shared themes of these Hnath plays, and why each story resonates for Chicago theatre-goers today.

The Making of Isaac's Eye

Monday, November 3   |   6:30pm-7:30pm   |   Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave
Free   |   RSVP Required to rsvp@writerstheatre.org or 847-242-6018
Venture behind-the-scenes of Isaac's Eye through a discussion led by Literary Manager Bobby Kennedy and Set Designer Collette Pollard. This event is free, but reservations are required. 

Writers Wednesdays

Join the artistic staff and actors from the production after select Wednesday evening performances for an in-depth conversation. Check the calendar for dates with post-show discussions.