STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn Honored By British Empire

Michael Kahn, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, has been inducted as an Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a national order of chivalry for British nationals and people who impact the United Kingdom. Kahn was invested into the order by the British Ambassador to the United States, Sir Peter Westmacott, during a private ceremony at the Ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organizations of all kinds. Past Commanders of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire from the United States include New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik and New York Fire Department Commissioner Thomas von Essen. There are more than 100,000 living members of the Order throughout the world.

According to the British Embassy, British Honors are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or service and recipients are chosen by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II based on the advice of the Prime Minister and other ministers to the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs recommends honorary awards to citizens from other countries for services rendered to the United Kingdom. Recent American recipients of Honors include former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and film director Steven Spielberg (Knights Commanders of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan (Knights Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath).

In anticipation of the award, Kahn said, "I am very grateful and humbled by this honor from the British government and most particularly since it is being given to an American for their work on Shakespeare."

The British Ambassador and Lady Westamacott hosted a fundraising event in conjunction with the celebration of Kahn's achievement. The program for the evening, themed an Artistic Salute to England on the occasion of Shakespeare's birthday and St. George's Day, featured performances by esteemed American actors and veterans of the STC stages Franchelle Stewart Dorn, Stacy Keach and Patrick Page. STC Associate Director Alan Paul directed the program.

Guests attending the event included Adrienne Arsht, Richard and Pamela Hanlon, Helen Lee Henderson, John W. Hill, Jr., Fred P. Hochberg, Kay Kendall, Dr. Maxine Isaacs, Abbe Lowell, Melissa Moss, The Honorable William and Mrs. Ann Nitze, Gene Procknow, Glenn and Suzanne Youngkin and Jane Harman.

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