Uploaded November 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
The theater is about the physical expression of emotion, so what happens when a playwright can no longer smile? For MacArthur Genius award recipient, and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, Sarah Ruhl, answering this question is at the center of her memoir. Smile chronicles Ruhl’s Bell’s palsy diagnosis that left one side of her face paralyzed and her ten year search for a cure. Join Ruhl and theater artist, director, and educator Jessica Thebus for a conversation about the inner life of a playwright.
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The theater is about the physical expression of emotion, so what happens when a playwright can no longer smile? For MacArthur Genius award recipient, and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, Sarah Ruhl, answering this question is at the center of her memoir. Smile chronicles Ruhl’s Bell’s palsy diagnosis that left one side of her face paralyzed and her ten year search for a cure. Join Ruhl and theater artist, director, and educator Jessica Thebus for a conversation about the inner life of a playwright.
Donate now to support programs like this: chicagohumanities.org/donate
Explore upcoming events: chicagohumanities.org
Connect on Twitter: twitter.com/ChiHumanities
Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/chicagohumanities
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/chihumanities