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| The Steppenwolf Ensemble in 1981 |
To Christiansen, there's never been a better theatre than Steppenwolf in the 80s.
Every generation needs a witness, a chronicler, to interpret and assess its contributions and its value. The contemporary Chicago theatre scene–from its roots in community theatre to the epicenter of professional theatre it has become–has been truly fortunate to have Richard Christiansen.
From the beginning days in our Highland Park basement theatre, Richard recognized Steppenwolf’s rebellion and passion and judged it accordingly. He didn’t always agree with us and we didn’t always agree with him. But whenever he was in the audience, we were very appreciative to have such a distinguished critic view–and judge–our contribution to the vast world of theatre.
–Steppenwolf co-founders Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise
Pictured from top left: John Mahoney, Joan Allen (sitting), Al Wilder, John Malkovich; second row: Austin Pendleton, Rondi Reed, Laurie Metcalf; bottom: Jeff Perry, Glenn Headley, Gary Sinise, Francis Guinan and Tom Irwin.