How Long Will I Cry?: Voices of Youth Violence

A play by Miles Harvey
(Directed by Edward Torres with artistic consulting by Kelli Simpkins)

How Long Will I Cry?: Voices of Youth Violence is Steppenwolf for Young Adults’ Spring 2013 production produced as part of Now Is the Time. Following its run at Steppenwolf, the production will tour seven Chicago Public Library locations and the Gary Comer Youth Center (in partnership with the Greater Grand Crossing Branch).

Woven together from interviews gathered by journalist Miles Harvey and students at DePaul University, the play provides raw, truthful insight into the problem of youth violence and gives voice to those who know the tragic consequences of violence first-hand—families of the victims, residents of crime-ridden neighborhoods and especially young people. How Long Will I Cry? inspires all of us to join together in search of a solution. Learn more at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Now Is The Time is a call to action against youth violence and intolerance. Its goal is to inspire young people to make positive change in their communities and stop the trend of youth violence and intolerance. Partners across the city (including Chicago Public Library, Steppenwolf, and Facing History and Ourselves) have joined together to explore how can we empower our youth to help make our city a better place?

Spring 2013 Tour Schedule

Playwright Miles Harvey conducted interviews with Chicagoans all over the city of Chicago whose lives have been changed by youth violence.  Some of the stories featured in the play take place in neighborhoods at which this tour will take place. Call or stop into the library to reserve your seat today. All performances are free, but advance registration is required.

• Monday, March 11, 11:00 a.m.
  Woodson Regional Library
• Monday, March 11, 5:00 p.m.
  West Englewood
• Tuesday, March 12, 11:00 a.m.
  Austin
• Wednesday, March 13, 11:00 a.m.
  Little Village
• Wednesday, March 13, 5:00 p.m.
  Gary Comer Youth Center
  7200 S. Ingleside Avenue, 60619
  (presented in partnership with Greater Grand Crossing Branch)
• Thursday, March 14, 11:00 a.m.
  Harold Washington Library Center
• Thursday, March 14, 5:00 p.m.
  Whitney M. Young, Jr.
• Saturday, March 16, 11:00 a.m.
  Humboldt Park

Chicago Public Library recommends these books for teens related to Now Is the Time themes.

Teen Volume Citywide Programs For Teens By Teens are made possible with grant funding from the Chicago Public Library Foundation. This program is for teens ages 14-18.

Follow Teen Volume