A Life in the Theatre

In 1977, the Goodman Theatre premiered A Life in the Theatre, David Mamet’s funny and loving look at actors. It was an immediate hit, with the Chicago Tribune terming it, “a touching fable about the theater, by a writer who was born for the theater,” and the New York Times saying, “It has bite but it also has a heart.”

In Mamet’s clever and sharply observed ode to the trials and joys of a life spent on stage, audiences are introduced to Robert, an aging actor, intent on teaching John, a young up-and-comer, the tricks and truths of the trade. As the two spar onstage and off, the audience becomes a fly on the dressing room wall, watching the almost imperceptible but deeply felt shift in power that occurs between teacher and pupil. Robert Falls directs this profound and touching play about life and art by one of our finest writers.

Part of the David Mamet Festival.