In the play, "The Value of Names," Shelley Berman plays Benny Silverman, a role which he says is him, an actor from the Hollywood black list. Berman said being in Chicago, acting the role and working with the cast has been THE best experience of his life and when the show closes, it will be the saddest day of his life. The director of the play, Sandy Shinner, said she knew of the Hollywood black list but didn't know about all the personal stories. There is an excerpt of Vic Navasky.

Rilla Bergman, Lou Fant, and Bill Reese converse with Studs about The National Theater for the Deaf and the production they are presenting. Two of the actors Ms. Bergman and Mr. Reese discuss what it took to learn, as hearing people, the best ways to express themselves with sign language. They all talk about how much more expressive the actors in the Deaf Theater have to be to convey the message of the piece they are presenting.

Sam Wanamaker talks about the curtain of a stage being a barrier between the set and the audience. Wanaker says that with theater today, there are more theaters in the round and more thrusts of ramps built into the audience, so that the audience can feel they are a part of the production of the play.

According to Ruth Page, she nearly fainted at the touch of Anna Pavlova's hand when they danced together. Pavlova remained a great inspiration to Ruth Page. Anyone can dance, explained Page, but she really admired great choreographers like Martha Graham and George Balanchine. Page said, good dancers are not copiers and they do something new.

Studs Terkel talks with Ruth page and Minsa Craig on the Chicago ballet production "November Steps."

Patrick Garland directs Roy Dotrice, who plays the old and lonely John Aubrey in "Brief Lives". While in studio, Dotrice reenacts part of the one-man show. Garland explains that the play is about John Aubrey, on the last day of his life, telling the audience about the past lives he's encountered.

Studs interviews Rolf Liebermann, director and composer, at the Hamburische Staatsoper in Hamburg, Germany. Liebermann explains some history of previous directors and performances. Many artists and operas are mentioned, but only a few were focused on in detail. Liebermann explains details about the operation of the opera highlighting the budget and the functions of the opera house. The recording stops short toward the end of the interview.

Studs Terkel interviews Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino on the 30th anniversary of Joffrey Ballet.

Studs Terkel discusses the history of dance and its future with Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino.

Studs Terkel and Robert Altman discuss the opera "McTeague" based on Frank Norri's novel of the same name.

Ray Gordon, writer and director, and Susanne Nussbaum, cast member of "Disabled Geniuses," discuss the play and the life of people with disabilities. Nussbaum recalls experiences of discrimination she and her friends have faced due to their differences. Both interviewees then talk about the members of the play and some of the characters involved.

Studs Terkel's EBO contest

Terkel presents a musical performance of the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus

Terkel presents a musical performance of the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus