A Life In The Theater

by Tyrone Guthrie

An international theater director recalls events and people influential in his life and career

Genres: Theatre, Biography, Nonfiction

1 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Sir William Tyrone Guthrie was an English theatrical director instrumental in the founding of the Stratford Festival of Canada, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at his family's ancestral home, Annaghmakerrig, near Newbliss in County Monaghan, Ireland. He is famous for his original approach to Shakespearean and modern drama.

Reviews

[Michael P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is Sir Tyrone's autobiography, it is also the story of the theatres he created, the amazing people he worked with, and insight into some of the greatest plays in the Western canon. I find myself quoting this book four years after reading, and those who hear are impressed by the insights. I only wish there were more on Sir Tyrone's radio career. Check it out.

[Audrey Lenahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read several theatrical actor/director biographies in recent months, this one fell short for me. Though Guthrie is one of the most influential figures in 20th century theater, his autobiography did not age well. Long analysis of American vs British theater and the then-current business practices in the theater world are at times tedious to read. Moreover his strong opinions - on ballet as an art form, the intelligence of various actors, and generalizations of Australian culture - are sometimes difficult to stomach.

At the same time, I did thoroughly enjoy the sections where he focuses on the actual theatrical productions. His self-depricating humor and humility are candid and refreshing. I also appreciated his reflections on the staging of theater and how he came to develop the iconic stages of Stratford, ON, and the Guthrie in Minneapolis. I only wish this book stuck more to his life experiences and delved less into tangents.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiography concentrating on Guthrie's theatrical career.