By Lucas Hnath, Adapted from Interviews with Dana Higginbotham, Conducted by Steve Cosson, Directed by Les Waters
A Co-Production with Center Theatre Group

“???½”
“Takes your breath away”
– Chicago Tribune

Sept 6 - Oct 6, 2019 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

75 minutes with no intermission

Dana H.

“I want to be a part of the world again.” – Dana H.

Dana was a chaplain of a psych ward when she met—and was abducted by—a charismatic ex-convict searching for redemption. Based on a harrowing true story, told in Dana’s own words and reconstructed for the stage by her son Lucas Hnath, this innovative new work “blurs the lines between documentary and drama” (The Hollywood Reporter).

Recommended for ages 16+ for dark themes and vivid descriptions of violence.

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Critical Praise

“Take(s) your breath away…Like nothing you will have seen before”

– Chicago Tribune
“Powerful and moving…An amazing story, and a riveting performance by O’Connell”

– PerformInk
“Emotionally riveting…A performance I expect will long resonate with audiences”

– Daily Herald
“A feat of theatrical wonder”

– Newcity
“An experience for audiences which almost defies explanation”

– Post-Tribune
“A highly recommended production that you will be talking about, and thinking about, for a long time after the applause subsides”

– Chicago Splash Magazine
“It’s a break the mold approach to theater”

– Picture This Post
“A captivating captive odyssey”

– The Hollywood Reporter
“A profound contribution to the theater”

– Los Angeles Times
“Blurs the lines between documentary and drama”

– The Hollywood Reporter
It “makes me want to see this fascinating 75-minute play a second time”

– Los Angeles Times
“O’Connell delivers an uncanny performance, mouthing the pre-recorded words of Dana so convincingly they appear to be her own”

– The Hollywood Reporter

Audience Feedback

It was nothing short of incredible

Abby L. via Facebook
Dana H. is a powerful play. Captivating!

Susan B. via Facebook
I count what Deidre O’Connell did as an absolute must-see. The play is an astonishing concept but even that paled in comparison to O’Connell’s extraordinary, unforgettable performance.

Suzanne T. via Facebook
Deirdre O’Connell is stunningly gorgeous to watch in this show. She pulls you in and makes you join her on this excruciating journey. She broke my heart and moved me with her honesty.

Mary P. via Facebook
I’m going to be thinking about #DanaHPlay for the rest of my life. Everyone needs to know this woman’s incredible story.

Laura D. via Twitter
Still beyond shook from last night – #DanaHPlay was one of the most electrifying & riveting experiences I’ve witnessed in a theatre!

Michael K. via Twitter
#DanaHPlay was one of the most compelling pieces of theatre—AND performances—I’ve ever seen. Deirdre O’Connell was astonishing and I’ll forever be in awe of what she was able to accomplish.

Ketzi G. via Twitter
Stop whatever you are doing an buy a ticket to see #DanaHPlay. Deirdre O’Connell is giving a mind-blowing performance at the Kirk Douglas. Lucas Hnath’s play is a compelling, gripping piece of theater and should not be missed.

Harlan D. via Twitter
I have never seen anything like DANA H. I am astounded and shaking. This show is terrifying and Deirdre O’Connell is brilliant.

Drew D. via Facebook