Michael Shannon is an Oscar-, Tony- and Emmy-nominated actor who, the night before this conversation, sang R.E.M. songs at the Chicago club Metro. He’s multitalented, thoughtful and fearless, with a commitment to Chicago theater that doesn't wane no matter how high his profile rises. In this probing, good-humored on-stage conversation at the club Space, Shannon couldn’t discuss his prominent film and TV work due to the SAG-AFTRA strike against Hollywood’s producers, so he went deep in other areas, such as: his early ping-ponging between Kentucky and Chicago’s North Shore; his repeated path-crossings with Tracy Letts; how his family life inspired his direction of the upcoming indie film, Eric Larue; what he did when only two audience members showed up for a Hurlyburly performance; what he thinks of the strike; and whether he preps for a concert as if it’s another role. He also performs two original songs that—spoiler alert—are awesome.

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