The southern Illinois arts community is mourning the loss of a national leader in theater and writing.
Christian Moe passed away Saturday after a series of illnesses. He was 93.
Moe was a member of the faculty in SIU's Theater Department for decades, and served as its Chair for seven years. He founded the school's playwriting program, and oversaw McLeod Summer Playhouse and countless other performances during his tenure. He helped found The Stage Company in Carbondale, and directed numerous plays and performances there over decades of service.
Moe also was a national leader - he served as playwriting chair of the American Theater Association, along with numerous other regional and national projects and programs. He also was a national award winner - including a Samuel French National Playwriting Award and a Kennedy Center Gold Medallion.
A lab theater in the SIUC Communications Building bears his name.
A memorial is planned for a later date, and Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is handling arrangements.
