Samuel Beckett's Theatre in America: The Legacy of Alan Schneider as Beckett's American Director [Hardcover]

A study of the 30-year collaboration between playwright Samuel Beckett and director Alan Schneider, Bianchini reconstructs their shared American productions between 1956 and 1984. By examining how Beckett was introduced to American audiences, this book leads into a wider historical discussion of American theatre in the mid-to-late 20th century.Introduction: Exactly as you Envisioned Alan Schneider and Samuel Beckett 1. The Laugh Sensation of Two Continents! 2. Finding a Home Off-Broadway 3. A Series of Firsts 4. New York and Beyond 5. American Zenith Conclusion: Assessing Schneider's Legacy

This book is a readable, often fascinating work that relies on a host of source material never before brought together & Samuel Becketts Theatre in America will be of enormous assistance to those who wish to better understand either of its central characters, or the American theatre especially in the period from 1956-71, or indeed the relationship between playwright and director in the theatrical process. (Richard Jones, the Journal of American Drama and Theatre, Vol. 30 (2), 2018)

Natka Bianchini is Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Fine Arts at Loyola University Maryland, USA. The professional and personal relationship between a remarkable director and an extraordinary playwright finds in Bianchini's volume the kind of examination it has long deserved. Re-tracing each of their collaborations - from the earliest phase of Schneider's research and planning, through his notes and correspondence with Beckett and the rehearsal process, to performance and critical response - the author offers an insightful and comprehensive study of two creative greats that makes for a truly wonderful read! - Lois Oppenheim, Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures, Montclair State University, USA and Past President of The Samuel Beckett Society

Bianchini explores the extraordinary intimacy between playwright, Samuel Beckett, and directol³]