The Wolves

Written by Sarah DeLappe
Awards:

  • Obie Award for Ensemble Performance (2017)

  • Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2017)

Synopsis
The Wolves is a dynamic and deeply authentic portrait of a girls’ high school soccer team during their pre-game warmups. Over a series of practices, the nine players navigate the challenges of adolescence, identity, and camaraderie, all while grappling with personal struggles and the pressures of competition. The play’s naturalistic dialogue captures the rhythm and chaos of teenage conversations, painting a vivid picture of the joys and anxieties of growing up.

Themes and Analysis

  • Teamwork and Individuality: The play explores the delicate balance between being part of a team and maintaining one’s own identity.

  • Coming of Age: Through its characters, The Wolves portrays the universal experiences of adolescence, from self-discovery to grappling with loss.

  • Female Empowerment: The focus on a group of teenage girls showcases the strength, resilience, and complexity of young women.

  • Communication and Miscommunication: The play’s overlapping conversations highlight how much can be revealed—or obscured—through dialogue.

Key Moments

  • The Pre-Game Chants: The team’s routines and rituals serve as both a unifying force and a backdrop for deeper personal revelations.

  • The Conversations: From lighthearted banter to heated arguments, the girls’ discussions reveal their fears, dreams, and relationships with one another.

  • The Tragedy: A pivotal event shocks the team, forcing them to confront their mortality and redefining their bonds.

  • The Final Scene: The play concludes on a reflective and poignant note, emphasizing the fleeting yet profound connections formed during adolescence.

Critical Reception
The Wolves received widespread acclaim for its fresh perspective and innovative structure. Critics praised Sarah DeLappe’s ability to capture the nuances of teenage life with both humour and poignancy.

The New York Times described it as “a ferociously honest portrayal of the lives of teenage girls,” while The Guardian called it “an exhilarating and visceral experience.”

Why It Resonates Today
With its focus on young women’s voices and experiences, The Wolves remains a vital and resonant piece of contemporary theatre. Its exploration of identity, community, and resilience speaks to audiences of all ages.

Fun Facts

  • The title, The Wolves, reflects both the team’s name and the feral energy of its characters.

  • Sarah DeLappe was inspired to write the play after observing how athletes communicate through a mix of casual chatter and strategic focus.

  • The original production at Playwrights Horizons featured a rotating cast of young actors, many of whom went on to significant roles in film and television.