The HistoryMakers

On Monday, February 6, 2006, The HistoryMakers collaborated with The Goodman Theatre for a Black History Month program entitled, Celebrate Chuck Smith, a tribute to HistoryMaker Chuck Smith. 400 people were in attendance. Everyone gained insight on Chuck Smith’s background, career and his role in the history of Chicago’s black theatre as the resident director of The Goodman Theatre.

Robin Robinson of Fox News Chicago interviewed Smith for the hour-long program. Throughout the interview, Smith introduced scenes from his favorite directorial works: A Raisin in the Sun, Proof, The Meeting, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Members of Congo Square Theatre Group, under the direction of Derrick Sanders, added a wonderful theatrical element to the live interview by performing scenes from those plays.

Actor Harry J. Lennix made a special guest appearance. Lennix is one of many Chicago actors who were influenced by Smith. Carol Woolfolk stage-managed the program and Les Kiskern served as artistic director. This program was the brainchild of Les Coney, the first African American Chairman of the Board of The Goodman Theatre.

To order a DVD of this program click here


Robin Robinson and Chuck Smith	The HistoryMakers staff and volunteers

Actors performing a scene from a play	Harry Lennix