Photo Gallery: Martha Lavey Memorial

Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosted a public memorial celebrating the life of ensemble member and former artistic director Martha Lavey, who passed earlier this year at the age of 60. On October 9, more than 500 people gathered in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre for a tribute to the cultural leader, hosted by current Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Executive Director David Schmitz.

Speakers included ensemble members Amy Morton, Bruce Norris, Yasen Peyankov, Molly Regan (sharing the words of ensemble member Austin Pendleton) along with Jenny Avery, Doug Brown, Ben Cameron, Curt Columbus, Nora Daley, Michele Dragisity, Evan Hatfield, Bruce Sagan, Jessica Thebus and Andy White. The event also included musical performances by the All Nations Worship Assembly Chicago Ensemble, Suzi Petri and ensemble member Jim True-Frost.

The following morning, the stretch of Halsted Street in front of Steppenwolf was renamed “Martha Lavey Way” in an honorary ceremony.

Lavey passed away on April 25, 2017, due to complications from a stroke.

Click on any photo to view a scrollable gallery:

: Ensemble member K. Todd Freeman at the public memorial celebration for Martha Lavey. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Longtime Steppenwolf stage manager Malcolm Ewen, ensemble member Lois Smith and Artistic Director of Northlight Theatre B.J. Jones. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Ensemble members Tim Hopper and Ora Jones with actor Cheryl Lynn Bruce. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Actor Cheryl Lynn Bruce. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Members of the All Nations Worship Assembly Chicago Ensemble perform at the event. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Executive Director David Schmitz. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Martha Lavey’s sister Michele Dragisity. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Ensemble member Bruce Norris. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Longtime friend and former artist associate at Steppenwolf Curt Columbus shares memories of Martha. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Director and teacher Jessica Thebus, close friend of Martha’s, daughter of acclaimed Chicago actor Mary Ann Thebus, shares memories. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Director and teacher Jessica Thebus, close friend of Martha’s, daughter of acclaimed Chicago actor Mary Ann Thebus, shares memories. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: National theater leader Ben Cameron, and dear friend of Martha’s, address the impact of Martha’s work on the national theater scene. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: National theater leader Ben Cameron, and dear friend of Martha’s, address the impact of Martha’s work on the national theater scene. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Steppenwolf’s Director of Audience Experience who worked with Martha for 10 years spoke on behalf of the staff and their deep love, admiration and respect for her. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Steppenwolf board members (left to right) Bruce Sagan, Doug Brown and Nora Daley. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Ensemble member Jim True-Frost performed a song. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Ensemble member Yasen Peyankov. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Ensemble member and co-founder Jeff Perry. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Ensemble member and co-founder Jeff Perry. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Ensemble member Amy Morton, who also co-curated the evening. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Ensemble member Frank Galati at the public memorial celebration for Martha Lavey. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

: Honorary Street Dedication. Photo by Joel Moorman.

: Honorary Street Dedication. Photo by Joel Moorman.

: Alderman Michele Smith, Martha’s sister Michele Dragisity and Executive Director David Schmitz.

: Honorary Street Dedication. Photo by Joel Moorman.

: Alderman Michele Smith, Martha’s sister Michele Dragisity and Executive Director David Schmitz at the honorary street renaming of the stretch of Halsted St in front of the theater to “Martha Lavey Way.” Photo by Joel Moorman.