Pair a Nobel Prize-winning playwright—the mordantly funny and morosely existential Samuel Beckett—with one of the 20th century’s most influential directors—the British expatriate Peter Brook—and what will you get? In theory, a profound yet entertaining theater event. In Fragments, director Brook has taken several of Beckett’s shortest theater pieces and unified them in a 65-minute show featuring three European actors celebrated for their physical and clowning skills—perfect for Beckett, who deeply admired the classical clowning tradition. Direct from Europe, Fragments will play no where else in the United States except Chicago, presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater (at Navy Pier) in its World Stages series. Through Feb. 9 only; 312-595-5600; $46-$56. Photo by Pascal Victor/Max ppp.