The Constant Passage: A Celebration and Memorial for Paul Edwards

Join us in person to celebrate and remember the amazing life and legacy of Paul Edwards.

The Constant Passage: A Celebration and Memorial for Paul Edwards

Join the Department of Performance Studies at Northwestern University for a celebration and memorial of the life and work of Paul Edwards (1950-2025) on June 13th, 2026. A brilliant maker and adapter of theater and performance as well as a scholar of performance history, the interpretation and performance of narrative fiction, Shakespeare in performance, and postwar American popular culture, Professor Edwards received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Northwestern in 1972 and 1973, before returning to the faculty in 1979 after earning a doctoral degree at the University of Texas. From 1979, Prof. Edwards taught in the department of performance studies, once known as the interpretation department until his retirement in 2019.

In honor of Prof. Edward’s life in the theatre, The Constant Passage will proceed in three acts.

Act I will feature a screening of Prof. Edwards’ video essays in Krause Studio of Annie May Swift Hall (1920 Campus Drive, Evanston) from 12-3:30 pm, with a dedication of memorial at 3 pm.

Act II will present a formal memorial in the Josephine Louis Theater at 4 pm, featuring reflections, readings, and offerings colleagues Dean E. Patrick Johnson and Prof Mary Zimmerman, as well as alumni, collaborators, and friends including Barak Alzaid, Michael Bowman, Ruth Bowman, Michael Cotey, Connor Lifson, Lindsay Meck, Johanna Middletown, Brian Pastor, and Emily Weiss.

Act III will consist of reception in the Southern Rehearsal room of the Wirtz Center at 6 pm.