Robert Sanford Brustein (1927–2023) was an American theatre critic, producer, playwright, and educator, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern American theater. As the founder of both the Yale Repertory Theatre and the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.,) he helped shape the artistic direction of countless actors, directors, and playwrights.
Born in New York City, Brustein studied at Amherst College, earning a B.A., then completed graduate work at Yale University before receiving both an M.A. and PhD from Columbia University. He began his career as a theatre critic and academic, eventually becoming dean of the Yale School of Drama, where he founded the Yale Repertory Theatre and oversaw numerous innovative productions. In 1980, he moved to Harvard University to establish the American Repertory Theater, serving as its artistic director until 2002 and later as a professor and Senior Research Fellow.
A longtime critic for The New Republic, Brustein became known for incisive essays later collected in The Theatre of Revolt (1964) and Seasons of Discontent (1972.) His major publications include The Third Theatre (1970,) Reimagining American Theatre (1991,) and The Siege of the Arts (1994.) He also wrote a memoir, Making Scenes (2000,) reflecting on his life in the theater.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Robert Brustein
The primary function of a theater is not to please itself, or even to please its audience. It is to serve talent.
—Robert Brustein
Topics: Theater
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