Herbert Blau, American engineer and academic (d. 2013)

Herbert Blau (May 3, 1926 – May 3, 2013) was a towering figure in American theatre and academia, renowned for his dual contributions as a groundbreaking director and a profound theoretician of performance. His life's work profoundly shaped how we understand and experience theatrical arts, pushing boundaries both on stage and in critical thought.

A Visionary Director and Performance Theoretician

Blau's multifaceted career saw him not only helm numerous theatrical productions with an experimental edge but also meticulously dissect the very nature of performance through his extensive writings. As a director, he was known for challenging conventional theatrical forms, often delving into complex, philosophical texts and pushing actors to explore new dimensions of presence and meaning. His work was frequently characterized by an intellectual rigor and an uncompromising pursuit of truth in performance, influencing generations of artists and scholars. As a theoretician, he authored seminal texts that interrogated the ontological and epistemological foundations of theatre, making significant contributions to the emerging field of performance studies. His ideas explored the audience's role, the politics of representation, and the relationship between live performance and other cultural forms.

Academic Contributions at the University of Washington

His distinguished academic career was highlighted by his appointment as the Byron W. and Alice L. Lockwood Professor in the Humanities at the University of Washington. This prestigious role underscored his significant intellectual standing and his ability to bridge the worlds of practical theatre and rigorous academic inquiry. The Lockwood Professorship is typically bestowed upon eminent scholars whose work transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and contributing significantly to the humanities. In this capacity, Blau undoubtedly inspired countless students and colleagues, sharing his deep insights into drama, literature, philosophy, and the broader cultural landscape of performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herbert Blau

What precisely does a "theoretician of performance" entail?
A theoretician of performance, like Herbert Blau, analyzes and writes about the fundamental principles, philosophies, and cultural implications of live performance. This involves exploring its history, its relationship to society, its various forms, and the critical frameworks used to understand and evaluate it, often moving beyond traditional literary or dramatic analysis.
What kind of theatre did Herbert Blau direct?
Herbert Blau was known for directing avant-garde and experimental theatre. His productions often challenged conventional narratives and staging, focusing on the intellectual and philosophical underpinnings of plays. He was associated with productions that pushed boundaries, engaged with complex texts, and explored the raw essence of human experience through innovative theatrical approaches.
What is the significance of the Byron W. and Alice L. Lockwood Professorship?
The Byron W. and Alice L. Lockwood Professorship is a distinguished endowed chair, typically awarded to a scholar of exceptional merit in the humanities at the University of Washington. Such a professorship recognizes profound intellectual contributions, leadership in a field, and a commitment to advancing humanistic inquiry, often providing resources for research and teaching.
What was Herbert Blau's lasting impact on theatre and academia?
Herbert Blau's lasting impact lies in his dual legacy: he was a pioneering director who championed experimental theatre, and a critical theoretician who helped establish and shape the field of performance studies. His rigorous intellectual approach to both practice and theory challenged established norms, inspiring new generations of artists and scholars to critically engage with the complexities of performance and its role in society.