CST Executive Director Criss Henderson Honored by French Government

The French government has bestowed the prestigious award of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) on Chicago Shakespeare Theater Executive Director Criss Henderson. The award is in recognition of Henderson's instrumental role in presenting premier French performing arts groups in Chicago. Collaborations with French theater artists have been a major cornerstone of CST's World's Stage Series including works with France's National Theatre, La Comédie-Francaise, Peter Brook's Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, James Thierré's Compagnie du Hanneton, Théâtre National de Boulogne-Billancourt, Transe Express and Ilotopie who will kick off the 2009/10 World's Stage Series with their aquatic spectacle Water Fools (Fous de Bassin).

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is an Order of France, established on May 2, 1957 by the Minister of Culture and confirmed as part of L'ordre National du Mérite by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963. The French government confers several distinctions, among which the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is conferred on persons who have distinguished themselves by their creativity in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of the arts in France and throughout the world.

Commenting on the Award, Henderson said, "We have been privileged to bring to Chicago astounding artists representing the range of French culture-from the superb artistry of France's national theater company, La Comédie-Francaise, to the brilliant aerial performances of Compagnie Transe Express last summer. Anticipating Ilotopie's aquatic spectacle off Navy Pier, Chicagoans and the city's visitors can expect to witness some of the world's most incredible and inspiring performers using our City's beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront as a unique and limitless performance space."

The award will be conferred by Laurent Maillaud, Cultural Attaché at the French Consulate in Chicago on behalf of the French Minister of Culture and Communication on Friday, August 21, 2009 as a prelude to Ilotopie's aquatic spectacle, Water Fools (Fous de Bassin). For more information on Water Fools (Fous de Bassin) and other Chicago Shakespeare Theater productions, visit www.chicagoshakes.com or call the Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600.