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Anna D. Shapiro is stepping away from Steppenwolf for health reasons

Anna D. Shapiro is stepping away from Steppenwolf for health reasons

Chicago Tribune01-07-2025
Steppenwolf Theatre Company said Monday that its former artistic director, Anna D. Shapiro, will no longer be directing 'Amadeus' in its upcoming season. She will be replaced by former Goodman Theatre artistic director Robert Falls, making his Steppenwolf directorial debut. A Steppenwolf spokesman said the Tony Award-winning Shapiro was stepping down from leading the planned November staging for health reasons and hopes to return to directing projects soon.
Steppenwolf also said that it was postponing its previously announced production of 'Topdog/Underdog' due to artistic scheduling conflicts, and will instead stage Conor McPherson's 2012 adaptation of August Strindberg's 'The Dance of Death.' To be directed by Yasen Peyankov, the replacement production will bring longtime ensemble member Kathryn Erbe back to Steppenwolf after an absence of nearly 30 years, along with Steppenwolf co-founder Jeff Perry. 'The Dance of Death' is slated for late January 2026.
Steppenwolf Theatre hits 50: Its anniversary season will include 'Amadeus' and a new play by Tarell Alvin McCraneyChris Jones is a Tribune critic.
cjones5@chicagotribune.com
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