Robert Brustein

Robert Brustein is an American theatrical critic, producer, playwright and educator who served as the founding director of the Yale Repertory Theatre and American Repertory Theater. His influential career spans over 50 years, during which he has been one of America's most prominent voices in theater criticism and artistic direction. As a critic, Brustein wrote for The New Republic for over 40 years and authored numerous books on theater and culture, including The Theatre of Revolt, Making Scenes, and Letters to a Young Actor. His critical works have explored the intersection of theater, society, and politics while championing ambitious artistic standards in American theater. Brustein's academic career included positions as Dean of the Yale School of Drama and Professor at Harvard University. Under his leadership, both Yale Rep and American Repertory Theater became major centers for innovative theater production and actor training, helping launch the careers of many prominent theater artists. His creative work extends beyond criticism and education to include several original plays, adaptations, and theatrical productions. Brustein's own dramatic works often focus on historical and literary figures, including pieces about Shakespeare, Schopenhauer, and various religious and cultural themes.

Readers consistently praise Brustein's analytical depth in theater criticism, particularly in "The Theatre of Revolt" and "Letters to a Young Actor." Theater practitioners and students cite his practical insights into performance technique and artistic development. Liked: - Clear analysis of theatrical movements and trends - Deep historical context in critical essays - Practical advice for actors and directors - Strong academic perspective on performance theory Disliked: - Dense academic writing style can be challenging - Some find his tone overly intellectual - Criticism that he favors European theatrical traditions over American ones - Occasional readers note dated cultural references Ratings: Goodreads: - The Theatre of Revolt: 4.0/5 (52 ratings) - Letters to a Young Actor: 3.8/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: - The Theatre of Revolt: 4.2/5 (limited reviews) - Making Scenes: 3.9/5 (small sample size) Most reader reviews come from academic contexts, with students and theater professionals making up the majority of documented responses.

The Third Theatre (1969) A collection of essays examining avant-garde theater movements and their impact on contemporary performance.

Revolution as Theatre (1971) Analysis of political activism in the 1960s through the lens of theatrical performance and spectacle.

The Theatre of Revolt (1964) Examination of modern dramatists including Ibsen, Strindberg, and Chekhov, focusing on their revolutionary approaches to theater.

Critical Moments (1964) Essays on theater criticism and the role of critics in shaping theatrical discourse.

Seasons of Discontent (1965) Collection of dramatic criticism covering major theatrical productions and trends of the early 1960s.

The Culture Watch (1995) Essays addressing the intersection of theater, politics, and American cultural life.

Dumbocracy in America (1994) Analysis of the relationship between American politics, popular culture, and theatrical expression.

Cultural Calisthenics (1998) Examination of various cultural phenomena and their impact on American theater and society.

The Siege of the Arts (2001) Discussion of challenges facing American arts institutions and cultural programming.

Millennials in the Modern Theatre (2005) Analysis of contemporary theater trends and their relationship to generational changes.

Harold Clurman wrote influential theater criticism and books about directing during the same era as Brustein, with a focus on Group Theatre and method acting. His work "The Fervent Years" examines the American theater movement of the 1930s.

Eric Bentley produced critical works on theater theory and dramaturgy that shaped twentieth century discourse. His translations of Brecht and analysis of modern drama parallel Brustein's academic approach to theater criticism.

Martin Esslin developed critical frameworks for analyzing avant-garde theater and wrote extensively about absurdist drama. His book "The Theatre of the Absurd" established key concepts that influenced theater scholarship.

Susan Sontag wrote cultural criticism that examined theater and performance through philosophical and political lenses. Her essays on aesthetics and interpretation share Brustein's interest in the relationship between art and society.

Richard Gilman served as drama critic for Newsweek and The Nation while producing books on theater criticism and dramatic theory. His work "The Making of Modern Drama" traces developments in theater that complement Brustein's historical analysis.