UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Lecture by leading 20th century playwright

This week there is a rare chance to see and listen to one of Britain's most important 20th century playwrights.

The free public lecture, called "Polonius's List", on the study of drama in a university environment and its relationship to the wider world, will be given by John Arden at 7 pm on Thursday, November 1.

It is now almost 50 years since John Arden's name first hit the headlines in theatre reviews, together with those of John Osborne and the group of rebellious young dramatists labelled by critics as "kitchen sink" dramatists.

The lecture forms part of the international season of events at the Wickham Theatre based in the University of Bristol's Department of Drama, Film and TV.

John Arden's relationship with the University's Drama Department extends back over 40 years when he won the Department's first Fellowship of Playwriting with the submission of his yet-to-be-performed play Serjeant Musgrave's Dance. This play is now widely regarded as a modern classic.

His views on politics and theatre are strongly held and following a dispute with the RSC in 1972 he declared he would never again write for the stage. He is now based in Ireland and writes for radio. His novel Silence Amongst Weapons was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

The number to call for further details is Bristol 928 7836.

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Email: public-relations@bristol.ac.uk
Copyright: 2001 The University of Bristol, UK
Updated: Thursday, 01-Nov-2001 10:47:36 GMT