The Stoppard Series

June 4 - July 19, 2026

Written by Tom Stoppard

Directed by Carey Perloff

Wednesday, May 6 at 7pm

Join a live interview with the director and close friend and collaborator of the late Tom Stoppard. Carey will speak of their relationship, her connection to his work and how they worked together to re-imagine pages of the original Leopoldstadt production exclusively for the stage at Writers.

Monday, June 1 at 7pm

Although the play mostly takes place across the Danube, the Leopoldstadt neighborhood of Vienna has been the traditional hub of Jewish cultural life for centuries. The neighborhood played an important role in the transformative events of the first half of the twentieth century—and continues to be a vital part of the urban tapestry of the Austrian capital. Mechtild Widrich (School of the Art Institute) and Anna Souchuk (DePaul University) will lead this program exploring the cultural history of Leopoldstadt from the Habsburg era to today.

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.

Saturday, June 20 at 2pm

WT wants seeing theatre to be easy for parents and caregivers. Drop your young ones off at an onsite theatre class while you catch the Saturday matinee.

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!