Included with surcharged exhibition ticket
Harriet Lane Levy (1867–1950) was one of the first Americans in Paris to buy paintings by Matisse and Picasso. Hear Harriet’s stories of her encounters with artworks, artists, and art collectors, directly alongside the artworks themselves in this dramatic reading adapted from Levy’s book Paris Portraits: Stories of Picasso, Matisse, Gertrude Stein, and Their Circle. Performed by actress Laura Sheppard and directed by Suzanne Stassevitch.
The performance will take place in the galleries and is included in special exhibition tickets for 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. on August 30, 2026.
Laura Sheppard is artistic director of Yiddish Theatre Ensemble (YTE), a producer, and a professionally trained actor. She was producer for YTE productions including Di Megileh of Itzik Manger, God of Vengeance, and Between Worlds. She served as a cultural consultant for productions of Indecent at San Francisco Playhouse which received six Bay Area Critics Circle Awards; Indecent at Center Rep, Walnut Creek; and Fiddler on the Roof at Contra Costa Civic Theatre. Laura’s solo theatrical work includes Still Life with (Gertrude) Stein which toured to the Edinburgh Fringe and international festivals. Paris Portraits was featured at the Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Marine’s Memorial Theatre for Humanities West. She is senior producer at San Francisco’s historic Mechanics’ Institute where she presents literary events and celebrations. She continues to create theatre and dramatic readings inspired by great writers.
Suzanne Stassevitch (Director) has had a lifelong passion for theater arts, especially Readers Theater. George Orwell’s Animal Farm was her directorial debut. She worked with the San Francisco Opera for over two decades as head of wardrobe. She continues to contribute her talents to various theater productions, including costuming a COVID-era Zoom production of God of Vengence with the Yiddish Theater Ensemble. Paris Portraits continues her journey with Laura Sheppard into the lively art and intellectual world of early 20th century Paris.
Lightweight portable stools are available for seating during this gallery program.