Spotlight Salon: An Expert Discussion of Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt

Join us on July 13th when Bobby Kennedy, Director of Artistic Development and Dramaturg at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, discusses their current production of Leopoldstadt by award-winning playwright Tom Stoppard. This deeply personal drama, which follows the turbulent lives of a prosperous Jewish-Austrian family in Vienna, traverses decades of joy and strife, from 1899 to 1955. It is an epic story of love, betrayal and enduring bravery. The play is directed by Carey Perloff, one of Stoppard’s closest friends and collaborators.

Bobby will talk about Stoppard’s journey from finding out he was Jewish in his 50s through the development of the play. He’ll touch on the historical background of Austria-Hungary at the turn of the 20th century and he’ll give us an overview of Stoppard’s career, writing style, and the personal history that inspired the play.

The play has won numerous awards including the 2020 Olivier for Best New Play, the 2023 Tony for Best Play, and the 2023 Drama Desk for Outstanding Play. You do not have to have seen the play beforehand to enjoy our discussion. Tickets are available at Writers Theatre through August 9, 2026.