Chicago playwright and performer Tanya Saracho has been known to take on some pretty serious topics in her work – like the cultural and class struggles of immigrants. But she also uses the theater to explore her personal experiences. Her latest production is an adaptation of Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street. The book meant a lot to Saracho as she entered her teen years and assimilated to American culture. She wrote the piece for Steppenwolf Theatre’s “Young Adults Presents” series. Richard Steele talked with Saracho. She started by breaking down the complexity of her upbringing. The House on Mango Street opens today just for school groups at Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre.

On Stage:
The House on Mango Street
Upstairs Theatre at Steppenwolf
Opens to the public this Friday night and runs through November 8