num_pages: 256
description: Marowitz, artistic director of London's Open Space Theatre during 1968-1980, recalls life at the vanguard of experimental theater in this highly analytical yet often humorous memoir. After moving to London from New York City in 1956, Marowitz worked as a drama critic for such publications as the Village Voice and Encore , failed as an actor, and found his niche as a director and playwright. Lenny Bruce, Harold Pinter and Sam Shepard make his acquaintance here; he praises late theater critic Kenneth Tynan, slings barbs at actress Vanessa Redgrave, remembers his powerful first impression of actress Glenda Jackson and discusses his direction of the first production of ill-fated playwright Joe Orton's Loot. Readers hear of the manic energy and idealism that fueled contemporary stagings at the Open Space, absurd ``happenings,'' street theater and poetry readings. Marowitz's passion for his metier is apparent as he cerebrally evaluates his peers and evinces disdain for pretentious theatergoers; nostalgia, intellectualism and deft turns of phrase characterize this look back at anti-Establishment artistry. Illustrated.
language: English
title: Burnt Bridges: A Souvenir of the Swinging Sixties and Beyond
titlecomplete: Burnt Bridges: A Souvenir of the Swinging Sixties and Beyond
ratings_count: 3
publisher: Hodder & Stoughton