Bill Clinton: “The 1974 birth of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre in a church basement has been described as ``a moment when the cosmos…”

“The 1974 birth of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre in a church basement has been described as ``a moment when the cosmos got lucky.'' Through a miraculous mix of talent and vision, Steppenwolf has reconciled the contradictions of modern theater. It stages edgy, experimental productions that still manage to attract mainstream audiences. It is an ensemble company that shuns the star system, and yet it has launched its fair share of stars: John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Joan Allen. That those stars regularly skip movie roles to act in Steppenwolf plays speaks volumes about the magic of this theater. To the many Tony Awards Steppenwolf has won, it is now my privilege to add the National Medal of Arts. Dr. Martha Lavey, the artistic director, is here to accept the medal, along with an historic gathering of 32 members of her troupe. And if they're out there, I'd like to ask them to stand as she comes up, please. [The President and the First Lady presented the medal and congratulated Dr. Lavey.]”