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
SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
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
Vienna was home to a vibrant and influential class of artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—including Gustav Klimt whose University of Vienna Ceiling Paintings are referenced several times in Leopoldstadt. Join Loyola University Chicago Professor of Art History Paula Wisotzki for an engaging and informative look into the visual artists who propelled European art into the new century.
EDUCATION EVENTS
Sunday, 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 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