Herbert Blau, American engineer and academic (b. 1926)

Herbert Blau, born on May 3, 1926, and departing on his 87th birthday, May 3, 2013, was a formidable figure in American theatre and academia, renowned for his dual prowess as a visionary director and a profound theoretician of performance. His influential career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on how live performance is understood, created, and critically examined across the United States and beyond.

Blau's work consistently bridged the gap between artistic practice and rigorous theoretical examination. As a director, he was celebrated for his intellectually daring and often experimental approach to staging, which pushed the boundaries of conventional theatre. He challenged both performers and audiences to engage deeply with the philosophical and social underpinnings of the material, viewing theatre not just as entertainment but as a crucial site for cultural critique and intellectual inquiry.

Parallel to his directorial pursuits, Blau established himself as a leading theoretician of performance. In this capacity, he delved into the very essence of theatre and live events, analyzing their political, psychological, and cultural implications. His extensive writings and critical discourse played a pivotal role in shaping the nascent field of performance studies, influencing generations of scholars and artists who sought to understand the complex dynamics of the performed act.

Academic Distinctions and Influence

Blau's profound intellectual contributions were formally recognized in the academic realm. He was named the Byron W. and Alice L. Lockwood Professor in the Humanities at the University of Washington, an esteemed endowed professorship. Such a distinguished appointment is typically bestowed upon scholars of exceptional merit whose work demonstrates significant impact across various humanistic disciplines, including theatre, literature, critical theory, and philosophy. In this prestigious role, Blau continued to foster a vibrant environment for intellectual inquiry, mentoring countless students and colleagues while further developing his groundbreaking research and theoretical frameworks.

Throughout his tenure, he exemplified the integration of theoretical thought with practical artistic exploration, advocating for a holistic understanding of performance that transcends disciplinary boundaries. His legacy endures not only through his significant body of written work but also through the lasting impact he had on the pedagogical approaches to theatre and performance studies in American universities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Herbert Blau

Who was Herbert Blau?
Herbert Blau was a prominent American figure in theatre and academia, recognized for his dual role as an innovative director and a groundbreaking theoretician of performance.
What does a "theoretician of performance" entail?
A theoretician of performance, like Blau, is someone who deeply studies and analyzes the underlying principles, philosophies, and cultural impacts of live performance. They examine how theatre and other performative acts function within society, exploring their political, psychological, and artistic dimensions.
What was the significance of his professorship at the University of Washington?
Herbert Blau held the prestigious Byron W. and Alice L. Lockwood Professorship in the Humanities at the University of Washington. This is an endowed chair, a highly distinguished academic appointment that recognizes scholars with exceptional contributions and influence across the humanities. It underscored his standing as a leading intellectual figure in his field.
What were Herbert Blau's main contributions to theatre and academia?
Blau's main contributions include his pioneering work as an experimental theatre director, his foundational theoretical writings that shaped performance studies, and his significant influence as an academic mentor and professor who integrated practice with theory.
When did Herbert Blau live?
Herbert Blau was born on May 3, 1926, and passed away on May 3, 2013, living for 87 years.