In celebration of the largest production in Writers Theatre history and the final play from one of our era’s greatest playwrights, we are proud to present The Stoppard Series. These events have been created to celebrate themes and events complementary to Leopoldstadt. We hope you will join us.
Thank you to the generosity of our Leopoldstadt Sponsors who made it possible for the events, conversations and experiences included in The Stoppard Series to take place.
Due to Popular Demand, Extended Again through August 16!
Written by Tom Stoppard
Directed by Carey Perloff
The Stoppard Series
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
Tuesday, July 7 at 7pm
At the turn of the 20th century, Vienna was one of the cultural capitals of Europe and the center of Austria-Hungary, one of the imperial powers ruling the continent. Led by John Deak, Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, this lecture covers the geopolitical context of the 20th century’s first 50 years and Vienna’s role in those decades’ momentous events.
Hosted by Writers Theatre and Sukkat Shalom
Friday, July 10 at 6pm
Rituals around prayer and food, as depicted in Leopoldstadt, are central to Jewish culture. One of the key rituals is the observance of Shabbat on Friday night. This welcoming interfaith gathering includes an accessible Shabbat service followed by a shared dinner. We’ll explain traditions as we go and create space for reflection, connection, and community. Open to everyone.
Tuesday, July 14 at 7pm
Operetta was the most popular form of entertainment in Vienna for half a century before the Anschluss. But with its penchant for social satire and its disproportionate number of Jewish librettists, composers and performers, the genre of operetta had a troubled relationship with the Third Reich. As was true throughout the arts and sciences, many of operetta’s finest creative minds either perished or were forced into exile. In this multi-media concert, Chicago’s own Folks Operetta will celebrate the stories and music of the librettists and composers of that era.
Tuesday, July 21 at 7pm
In partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago, this panel examines the theft, displacement and restitution of artworks in the years leading up to, during and after World War II and how provenance researchers work to recover these stories.
EDUCATION EVENTS
Sunday, June 28 and July 19 at 12pm
Keep the conversation going! Join fellow audience members and WT Artistic staff for a lively, in-person discussion delving into the characters, production elements and themes of the play.
Saturday, July 11 and 25 at 1pm
Dive deeper into the world of Leopoldstadt with immersive creative workshops designed to expand your connection to the production.
Using the Jewish Studio Process methodology, participants who have seen the show will be thoughtfully guided through small-group text study, self-directed artmaking and reflective writing as they explore powerful text, themes, and topics from Leopoldstadt. Join us for a hands-on engaging experience that brings the story to life in new and meaningful ways. Open to all, no art-making or Jewish background necessary!
Community Thought Partners
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Temple Am Shalom
North Shore Congregation Israel
Glencoe Union Church
Congregation Sukkat Shalom
Northwestern - Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israeli Studies
Northwestern - Hillel
University of Chicago
Folks Operetta
Resetting the Table
Jewish Studio Project
The Art Institute of Chicago