Photo: ART adaptor and performer Robert Schleifer

Steppenwolf’s LookOut performance series is adding a new American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of Yasmina Reza’s award-winning 1994 comedy ART to the fall lineup.

In this unique staged reading, the play will be performed simultaneously in ASL and Spoken English, matching Yasmina Reza’s prose with the visual language of ASL. The performance will also feature open captioning. Robert Schleifer will play Serge in ASL, alongside Michael Patrick Thornton who will voice the role. Remaining casting will be announced at a later date.

Reza’s 1994 comedy tells the story of three friends and the piece of modern art that tests their fraternal bonds. After Serge purchases an obscenely expensive white painting, his friend Marc is sent into a fury of disbelief. Together with their friend Yvan who gets caught in the crossfire, Marc and Serge engage in a battle of wits set to undermine a years-long friendship.

Translated by Christopher Hampton with a new ASL adaptation by Robert Schleifer and Larry Nehring, the staged reading is directed by Henry Godinez, Resident Artistic Associate at Goodman Theatre. Performances are Saturday, September 17 at 8pm and Sunday, September 18 at 4pm in Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre (1700 N Halsted St). Tickets ($10) go on sale tomorrow, Friday, August 19 at 11am through Audience Services at 312.355.1650 and steppenwolf.org. For additional LookOut programming, visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.