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Rare insights into the working process of America's most seminal directors and choreographers are the focus of "Masters of the Stage." This series features more than three decades of priceless One-on-One interviews and panel discussions with theatre's most distinguished luminaries. Listen to these never before broadcast programs and hear the story of the American theatre told by those who helped chart its course. The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation brings you to this series through the collaborative efforts of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and the American Theatre Wing.
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Robert Whitehead and Brian Clark |
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With:
Robert Whitehead
Brian Clark
Robert Pesola - Moderator
In April of 1986, the day after their play The Petition, staring Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, began its short lived run on Broadway, writer/producer Brian Clark and producer/director Robert Whitehead sat down with colleague Robert Pesola to discuss bringing serious work to Broadway. The two frame the discussion somewhat ominously; beginning by acknowledging that in the 80's bringing a serious play to Broadway is somewhat of a "deadly" prospect. They cover the state of the theatre in America and the dearth of talented professional playwrights due to the draw of film and television. They candidly discuss the relevance of critics from the New York Times and their influence on the success of a show. Whitehead talks about theatre as a dicey investment and his methods for securing funds to produce shows. The pair concludes by demystifying the concept of a "Golden Age" of American theatre, explaining that in this industry there is always hardship. But, they resolutely maintain that even (and especially) in times of distress the theatre will and must go on.
Originally recorded - April 1, 1986
Running Time - 1:16:25
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