streaming May 27 – June 20, 2021 from the OneAmerica Mainstage filmed by WFYI STUDY GUIDE edited by Richard J Roberts, Resident Dramaturg with contributions by Janet Allen • James Still Russell Metheny • Yao Chen Betsy Cooprider-Bernstein Indiana Repertory Theatre 140 West Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 Janet Allen, Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Suzanne Sweeney, Managing Director www. irtlive.com SEASON SPONSOR SEASON PARTNER SEASON SUPPORT COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS EDUCATION SPONSOR PARTNER 2 INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT by James Still Jack is gone, but his family gathers for Thanksgiving. Delicious aromas carry with them painful memories. Flowing wine dislodges hidden resentments. Old stories evoke shared laughter—and silent tears. This award-winning play by the IRT’s own playwright-in-residence returns with all its heart, tenderness, joy, and sorrow, reminding us that we must accept the past before we can embrace the present. STREAMING May 27 – 20, 2021 LENGTH Approximately one hour and 35 minutes, with no intermission AGE RANGE Recommended for grades 10–12 STUDY GUIDE CONTENTS The Story of the Play 3 Artistic Director’s Note 4 Playwright’s Note 6 Playwright’s Biography 7 Designer Notes 8 Standards Alignment Guide 10 Discussion Questions 11 Writing Prompts 12 Activities 13 Resources 14 Glossary 17 COVER ART BY KYLE RAGSDALE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT IRT’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
[email protected] FOR STREAMING SALES: IRT Ticket Office: 317-635-5252 www.irtlive.com INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE 3 THE STORY OF THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT In The House that Jack Built by IRT playwright-in-residence James Still, Jules is hosting Thanksgiving 2012, as she has done for many years.