Classic Conversations with Kevin Kline

Actor Kevin Kline joined Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) Artistic Director Michael Kahn at Sidney Harman Hall on Nov. 28 for the second installment of Classic Conversations, a series of discussions with classically-trained actors during STC’s 25th Anniversary Season. Kahn opened the program by noting that critic Frank Rich deemed Kline “the American Olivier.” Kline spoke of his training at Juilliard and being approached by Joseph Papp to play Richard III in Shakespeare in the Park, noting “I didn’t start small.” In response to Kahn’s query about what he liked in working with a director, he responded “fun.” Kahn said that his legendary reluctance to accept parts had earned him the nickname “Kevin Declined.” Both concurred that “great actors become great by doing great roles.”