Remembering Arthur Miller

Christopher Bigsby's "Remembering Arthur Miller" is not only a fine tribute to one of America's greatest playwrights, it also provides invaluable insights into Miller's mind and work from some of the world's most eminent theatre practitioners--those artists who worked with him intimately throughout his long and illustrious career. One of the world's best theatrical analysts, and of Miller in particular, Bigsby--also a longtime friend of the playwright--was uniquely positioned to assemble these many dozens of insightful remembrances. Pieces are included from outstanding playwrights (Tony Kushner, Harold Pinter, John Guare, Tom Stoppard, Edward Albee), respected actors (Brian Dennehy, Dustin Hoffman, Eli Wallach, Vanessa Redgrave, Patrick Stewart), poets and writers (Frank McCourt, Honor Moore, Vaclav Havel), and exceptional theatre directors (Robert Falls, David Esbjornson, Joe Dowling, Howard Davies), as well as many, many other eminent artists. The personal stories provided by these artists are as invaluable as they are revealing. More often than not, they tell of experiences with Miller that inspired them not only in their craft but in their lives. Taken together, they offer a picture of a complex, dedicated, funny, intense and altogether compelling playwright. Also enlightening is the 1995 interview included by Bigsby that he conducted with Miller at the author's home in Connecticut. Covering the depth and breadth of Miller's life and work, the massive and wide-ranging conversation covers some 78 pages. Christopher Bigsby's "Remembering Arthur Miller" is a treasure trove for people with even the slightest interest in what makes great theatre. It affords even the casual reader a fascinating picture of one of the theatre's greatest playwrights and his connection with world events over the last half century.