When Kwame Was Stokely
In a new play at Chicago’s Court Theatre, playwright Nambi E. Kelley looks for the human being—and the humor—in a Civil Rights legend.
Stories by Jerald Raymond Pierce
Jerald Raymond Pierce is the associate editor of American Theatre. He studied acting at Ohio University and received his M.A. in arts journalism from Syracuse University. A member of the American Theatre Critics Association, he is also a freelance reviewer for the Chicago Tribune. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @TheJRPierce.
Grown in Chicago: Creating Your Community
This special podcast episode featuring panelists Shepsu Aakhu, Myesha-Tiara, and Xavier Custodio, moderated by Carla Stillwell, was recorded live from The Understudy in Chicago.
Grown in Chicago
In this month’s Chicago newsletter, theatremakers Jillian Leff and Joel Willison share what inspires them and the American Theatre team invites you to join us for a special event in the city.
Exploring an Ensemble’s ‘Purpose’
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s world premiere play about a Black political dynasty is the latest in Steppenwolf’s lineage of explosive work crafted around their acting ensemble.
From Chicago, Contraction and Expansion
This month, theatres are still making tough programming choices as they look hopefully toward growing into the future, plus thoughts from Willow James and Tiffany Keane Schaefer.
Vanessa Severo, Joanie Schultz, and Theatre That Sticks With You
From an instant connection at a workshop to world premiere productions, the creative duo’s working relationship has continued to blossom over the years.
From Chicago, the Infectiousness of Joy
This month, we look at joy as a candle in the darkness and hear from artists Yao Nana Dogbe and Michelle Renee Bester.
Katy Sullivan’s Changeable, Charming, Deadly ‘Richard III’
Director Edward Hall and actor Katy Sullivan discuss the unique qualities that the Paralympian brings to one of Shakespeare’s iconic roles.
From Chicago: Retirement, and a Hope for Local Hits
As we start the new year, we, along with theatremakers Owais Ahmed and Mikael Burke, are dreaming about what future theatre might hold.
Jackalope’s Journey to Their New (Temporary) Home
When the city of Chicago needed the Park District building where the company had performed for a decade, this Edgewater theatre used the opportunity to expand its footprint.
