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Portrait of Arnold Wesker: From Childhood to Stardom

Calvin Fisher

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Published in Ambivalences: Portrait Of Arnold Wesker From A To W

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Portrait Of Arnold Wesker As A Young Man, Looking Serious And Thoughtful. He Is Wearing A Dark Suit And Tie And Has A Slight Smile On His Face. Ambivalences: Portrait Of Arnold Wesker From A To W

Ambivalences: Portrait of Arnold Wesker from A to W

by Chiara Montenero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	585 KB
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Print length	:	106 pages

Early Life and Influences

Arnold Wesker was born on May 24, 1932, in East London, England. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who worked as tailors. Wesker grew up in a working-class neighborhood and attended state schools. He developed a passion for theatre at a young age, and he began writing plays while still a teenager.

In 1956, Wesker's play Chicken Soup with Barley was produced at London's Royal Court Theatre. The play was a critical and commercial success, and it launched Wesker's career as a playwright. Chicken Soup with Barley is a semi-autobiographical play that tells the story of a working-class Jewish family in London. The play was praised for its realism and its insights into the working class experience.

The Angry Young Men

Wesker was one of the leading figures of the "Angry Young Men" movement in British theatre. The Angry Young Men were a group of playwrights who emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. They were angry about the state of British society and they used their plays to criticize the establishment.

Wesker's plays often dealt with themes of class conflict, social injustice, and the alienation of the individual. His plays were often controversial, but they were also highly acclaimed by critics and audiences.

Later Career and Legacy

Wesker continued to write plays throughout his career. He wrote over 40 plays in total, as well as several books and screenplays. Wesker's plays have been performed all over the world and they have been translated into over 30 languages.

In 1975, Wesker was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to theatre. He was also knighted in 2005.

Wesker died on May 27, 2016, at the age of 84. He is considered one of the most important playwrights of the 20th century. His plays have had a profound impact on British theatre and they continue to be performed and studied today.

Arnold Wesker was a brilliant playwright who made a significant contribution to British theatre. His plays are insightful, moving, and often controversial. He was a master of realism and he had a deep understanding of the human condition. Wesker's work continues to be relevant today and he is considered one of the most important playwrights of the 20th century.

Ambivalences: Portrait of Arnold Wesker from A to W

by Chiara Montenero

5 out of 5