Charles Marowitz, American director, playwright, and critic (d. 2014)

Charles Marowitz (26 January 1934 – 2 May 2014) was a prolific and influential American figure in the world of theatre, renowned for his multifaceted career as a discerning critic, innovative theatre director, and compelling playwright. Throughout his life, Marowitz consistently pushed boundaries, challenging traditional theatrical norms and contributing significantly to the evolution of contemporary drama.

A Pioneering Director and Collaborator

Marowitz's impactful career saw him collaborate with some of the most prominent figures in theatre. Notably, he worked closely with the celebrated director Peter Brook at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) during the 1960s. Their collaboration was instrumental in the experimental "Theatre of Cruelty" season, which explored the theories of Antonin Artaud and sought to strip theatre of its conventional elements to reveal raw, primal truths. This period laid the groundwork for Marowitz's own directorial philosophy, emphasizing bold interpretations and a willingness to confront audiences.

The Open Space Theatre: A Hub of Innovation

In 1968, Charles Marowitz cemented his legacy in London's vibrant theatre scene by founding and directing The Open Space Theatre. Located on Tottenham Court Road, this venue quickly became a pivotal hub for experimental and avant-garde productions, offering a crucial platform for new playwrights and unconventional stagings that challenged mainstream theatre. The Open Space was dedicated to fostering innovative work, often featuring plays that were politically charged or formally adventurous, thereby significantly contributing to the burgeoning fringe theatre movement in the UK.

Distinguished Literary and Critical Contributions

Beyond his directorial prowess, Marowitz was a formidable voice in theatre criticism and publishing. He was the co-founder of Encore magazine, a highly respected and influential theatre periodical published between 1954 and 1965. Encore played a vital role in documenting and championing the "new drama" of its era, providing critical analysis and promoting emerging talents and radical ideas. His editorial influence extended to co-editing The Encore Reader: A Chronicle of the New Drama (1965), a seminal collection that captured the essence of post-war British theatre.

As a leading critic, Marowitz's insights were widely sought after. He was a regular contributor to a diverse array of esteemed publications, including The New York Times, The Times (London), TheaterWeek, and American Theatre. His incisive critiques and profound understanding of performance made him a respected authority. He notably served as the lead critic for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, providing astute commentary on West Coast theatre until the newspaper ceased publication.

Acclaimed Playwriting and Radical Adaptations

Original Works for Stage

Marowitz's creative talents extended powerfully into playwriting. He was the acclaimed author of Murdering Marlowe, a provocative play that vividly imagines a fierce intellectual and artistic rivalry between two giants of Elizabethan drama, William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. This play, which delved into themes of ambition, jealousy, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Marlowe's death, was recognized as a finalist for the GLAAD Media Awards of 2002, underscoring its cultural relevance and exploration of complex identities. He also penned the 1987 Broadway play Sherlock's Last Case, a suspenseful mystery that enjoyed a successful run with the celebrated actor Frank Langella in the iconic lead role of Sherlock Holmes.

The Marowitz Shakespeare: Deconstructing the Classics

Perhaps one of Marowitz's most significant and controversial contributions was his series of "free adaptations" of William Shakespeare's plays, collected in The Marowitz Shakespeare. These adaptations were far from traditional, often deconstructing and reassembling Shakespeare's original texts to explore contemporary themes and challenge conventional interpretations. Marowitz employed techniques inspired by Brechtian alienation and Artaudian cruelty, re-contextualizing classics like Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello to reveal their modern resonance and provoke new intellectual and emotional responses from audiences. His bold approach, which included rearranging scenes, adding new dialogue, and even altering character motivations, sought to make Shakespeare's timeless works speak directly to a modern sensibility, often sparking lively debate within the theatrical community.

Legacy and Passing

Charles Marowitz's remarkable career left an indelible mark on both British and American theatre. His commitment to innovation, sharp critical eye, and fearless creative spirit influenced generations of theatre practitioners and enthusiasts. He passed away on 2 May 2014, at the age of 80, due to complications from Parkinson's disease, leaving behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking work that continues to inspire and challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Marowitz

Who was Charles Marowitz?

Charles Marowitz was a distinguished American theatre critic, director, and playwright known for his innovative approaches to theatre and his significant contributions to experimental drama in both the UK and the US.

What was The Open Space Theatre?

The Open Space Theatre was an experimental theatre venue in London, founded and directed by Charles Marowitz in 1968. It became a vital platform for avant-garde productions and new playwriting, challenging traditional theatrical norms.

What is The Marowitz Shakespeare?

The Marowitz Shakespeare is a collection of Charles Marowitz's "free adaptations" of William Shakespeare's plays. These adaptations are known for their radical deconstruction and reinterpretation of the original texts, designed to provoke contemporary thought and challenge conventional stagings.

What was Marowitz's role at Encore magazine?

Charles Marowitz was the co-founder of Encore magazine, a prominent theatre periodical published from 1954 to 1965, which played a crucial role in promoting and critiquing new drama and emerging talents of its era.

What significant plays did Charles Marowitz write?

Charles Marowitz authored notable plays including Murdering Marlowe, which reimagines a rivalry between Shakespeare and Marlowe and was a GLAAD Media Award finalist, and the 1987 Broadway production Sherlock's Last Case.