Barbara Gaines Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Barbara Gaines is already considered one of the top movers and shapers of Chicago theatre by industry watchers and insiders.  Now the Artistic Director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater is being honored by the Queen of England for her artistic leadership in strengthening ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.  The 59-year-old Gaines is being awarded an Honorary OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

Founded in 1917, this award honors civilians and service personnel for public service or outstanding contributions to society.  The insignia will be bestowed on Ms. Gaines by Sir David Manning, the British Ambassador to the United States, in a ceremony February 10, 2006 in Washington, D.C.  Sir David praised Gaines' 'unique contribution to strengthening British-American cultural relations," noting her productions' standards of 'accessibility, creativity and artistic integrity."

Barbara Gaines' success story has been quite remarkable.  She founded the Shakespeare Repertory in 1986 with a production of 'Henry V" atop a rooftop pub in Lincoln Park.  From that humble beginning, Shakespeare Repertory grew into the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which today enjoys a prominent and custom-built $25 million residence on Navy Pier.  Canadian Director Marti Maraden's acclaimed production of 'Much Ado About Nothing" currently resides on the Mainstage.  The 525-seat, ¾ thrust courtyard theatre was modeled on Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, where Ms. Gaines serves as an Artistic Directorate.

Ms. Gaines has opened the doors of her theatre to a sterling line of visiting artists from England and abroad, while negotiating for Chicago actors and productions to be seen across the ocean.  Among the international celebrities to appear in Chicago are actors Mark Rylance (in the Globe's 'Twelfth Night"), Simon Callow ('The Mystery of Charles Dickens"), Brian Bedford ("The School for Scandal" and two Moliere one-acts), as well as the legendary director Peter Brook ('Hamlet") and Edward Hall (the U.S. Premiere of "Rose Rage"). 

Gary Griffin's highly acclaimed "Pacific Overtures" won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Production when it was transferred to London's Donmar Warehouse.  And this July, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's production of "Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2" have been chosen to represent the United States as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's first-ever presentation of the complete Shakespearean canon.

In addition to critically and commercially acclaimed productions of the Bard, Gaines has developed a diverse program of family friendly fare that fits in quite naturally alongside the carousel, Ferris Wheel and children's museum on Navy Pier.  Chicago Shakespeare Theater's "Quaker Family Saturdays" series launches with the Chicago Chamber Musicians' "My, What Big Ears You Have (The Better to Hear Music With, My Dear)" January 21 and 22, 2006, followed by a 75-minute adaptation of "Macbeth" February 4-April 22, 2006. 

Renowned Director David H. Bell returns for his sixth production with the company for this "Short Shakespeare!" abridgement.  Shakespeare's language comes alive in a theatrical percussive world of swords, sounds and the supernatural in this tale of ambition and violence.  For further information on Chicago Shakespeare Theater, visit www.chicagoshakes.com.

 
Joe Stead
Theatre In Chicago News Contributor Joe Stead has spent over 20 years as a critic, director, designer and performer. His reviews currently appear online at www.steadstylechicago.com.