Mr. Wolf

While rehearsing for the play "Describe the Night," ensemble member Ravjiv Joseph mentions that he was thinking about the play "Mr. Wolf." After making significant edits and reshaping it to reflect his vision, he submitted this psychological drama to Steppenwolf Theatre. Kicking off their 50th Season, Joseph's play revolves around Theresa, an astute 15-year-old girl who was kidnapped 12 years ago. She has been living in isolation in a room, where she is provided with books, colored chalk, and a board. The only person she has seen for over a decade is "Mr. Wolf." Charismatic yet disturbed, he has become both her captor and her mentor, teaching her about the universe and manipulating her mentally by calling her a prophet. He is convinced that Theresa is destined for something extraordinary, a fate that enables her to persist in life and nourish his voracious craving to be recognized as truly exceptional. The play opens with Mr. Wolf bursting through the door as officers approach his home. Frantic and afraid, he informs Theresa that their time together is coming to an end and that they are about to take her away. His words frightened her, and he asked for her permission to end his own life. Recultantly, she agrees, and as the scene fades to black, a single, echoing gunshot reverberates. When the lights come back up, Theresa is in a hospital bed, shrouded by unfamiliar surroundings. She looks around in fear and confusion, realizing that Mr. Wolf, the only person she's ever known, is gone. Still, when her biological father comes to bring her to her original home, to meet her mother and her stepmother, the tension of getting the family back together proves to be painful, trying to reconnect with a daughter they barely recognize and with parents she has never known.

Each character has endured suffering and experienced significant loss. Michael, engulfed in grief, has not only lost his ability to express his emotions but also his marriage to Hana. He tries to reconnect with Julie, his new wife, yet the sting of betrayal hangs over him, preventing him from fully articulating his love. Julie, having endured the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, finds a semblance of understanding with Michael. However, she is worried that with Theresa's return, she will once again face the terrifying prospect of losing someone she cherishes. Hana, who is unable to deal with the traumatic belief that Theresa had died, struggles to find her footing. The weight of her grief has left her feeling lost, compelling her to seek distance from Michael as she grapples with the agony of losing her daughter. She struggles when communicating with Theresa, resulting in a significant distance between the two. Meanwhile, Theresa herself is caught in a tumultuous state, having lost not just her sense of security and attachment, but also her ability to navigate the world beyond her room. Without the comforting presence of Mr. Wolf, she finds herself isolated and struggling to reconnect with reality.

While not a direct dramatization of the real-life kidnapping, the play Mr. Wolf by Rajiv Joseph, a Cleveland native, was inspired by and draws from the circumstances of the Cleveland kidnappings carried out by Ariel Castro. The narrative of Joseph delves into the intricate relationship that forms between the kidnapper and his captive. It explores her rescue and the transition into her new life with her parents, highlighting their emotional interactions. Joseph's play poses the question, "What constitutes a home and a family?" and explores the influential emotions of separation, guilt, fear, and the various ways people cope with tragedy, loss, and the process of rebuilding. The cast features four ensemble members: Kate Arrington (Hana), Namir Smallwood (Michael), Caroline Neff (Julie), and Time Hopper ( Mr. Wolf), along with Emilie Maureen Hanson, who is making her debut performance at Steppenwolf as Theresa. The play, filled with emotional trauma, which can be challenging to convey, was delivered with outstanding performances by all the actors. Hanson skillfully embodies the character of Theresa, illuminating the complex yet alluring dialogues that are often too troubling to discuss. Her ability to navigate these challenging themes adds a richness that makes the painful discussions feel both relatable and essential. Hopper, who played several characters, including a doctor and a policeman, delivered a standout performance as Mr. Wolf. In this role, he transformed into a chilling and charismatic kidnapper and killer, captivating the audience with his passion. It would have been intriguing to explore the possibility of Joseph introducing a new character, one who could engage Mr. Wolf in a thought-provoking dialogue. Such an exchange between Mr. Wolf and the detective would have provided a deeper insight into Mr. Wolf's complex mindset, revealing his motivations and inner struggles; instead of eliminating the character through suicide. Mr. Wolf runs approximately 85 minutes, with no intermission, so adding another 10 minutes would make it more engaging.

Directed by ensemble member K. Todd Freeman, who last worked at Steppenwolf in 2019, was eager to collaborate with Joseph after seeing his play, "Guards at The Taj," performed at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago from May 31 to July 22, 2018. As mentioned previously, Mr. Wolf opened Steppenwolf Theatre's 50th Season. Ravjiv Joseph, a Cleveland native, was also part of the Cleveland Play House Centennial Season. Mr. Wolf effectively addresses all the points when discussing this emotional subject. We need to discuss it further to understand what causes people to react when tragedy comes to our doors.

⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 Stars

Steppenwolf Theatre

Mr. Wolf

Written by ensemble member Rajiv Joseph

Directed by ensemble member K. Todd Freeman

Sep 11 - Nov 2, 2025

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