In partnership with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, this program explores the extraordinary personal history behind one of the world’s most influential dramatists. Historian Amy Lutz (Director of Marketing & Communications, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival) will share the story of Tom Stoppard’s family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Europe in the shadow of the Anschluss and Stoppard’s later discovery of his Jewish identity, leading to the creation of Leopoldstadt. Tom Ridgely (Artistic Director, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival) will then consider how this history intersects with Stoppard’s theatrical voice, with special attention to his landmark play Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. This spring, Ridgely directs the Festival’s production of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, which runs from March 26-April 11 at the Kranzberg Arts Center Black Box Theater. Free and accessible parking available on site. Accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and wheelchairs available upon request.
