(l to r) Rajiv Joseph and Karen Rodriguez (Photos courtesy of Steppenwolf Theatre Company)
Steppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro announced this week the addition of Rajiv Joseph and Karen Rodriguez to the world-renowned Steppenwolf ensemble. An Obie Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright, Rajiv Joseph’s Guards at the Taj was produced at Steppenwolf this past May to great acclaim. Karen Rodriguez, a celebrated Chicago-based actor, recently performed at Steppenwolf in The Doppelgänger (an international farce) and The Rembrandt, and will be featured in this season’s world premiere of Isaac Gomez’s La Ruta, in a role written specifically for her.
“Rajiv’s work is extraordinary both for its breadth and its depth, nothing short of a truly dazzling range. He is not only a gifted theatre maker, he is a constructive and inspiring collaborator and truly one of the smartest and kindest people I’ve ever met. Karen’s work is always vibrant, original and so, so brave. A grand comedienne already, a truthful and connected acting partner at all times, Karen embodies everything we value in our company and everything we want to see on our stages. We are deeply grateful to have these two exceptional artists joining our family,” shares Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro.
Rajiv Joseph shares, “It’s a tremendous honor to be invited to be a part of this legendary community of theatre artists. Steppenwolf’s commitment to adventurous and political art makes them, in my mind, one of the most important theaters in the country and the world. I’m humbled and energized to join their ranks.”
Karen Rodriguez shares, “I don’t think I have ever felt more alive, electric onstage than at Steppenwolf. It has been a place where I have been able to explore the depths of humanity and imagine myself in all walks of life, without limit, amongst inspiring artists. So to be able to call this my artistic home…there are no words. I am completely humbled and excited for what’s to come.”
