For Londoners: Pinter/Wesker Memories Walk – Introduction
Hackney was home to two of Britain’s greatest-ever dramatists – Harold Pinter (1930-2008) and Arnold Wesker (1932-2016). They are united in being foremost members of the diverse group of playwrights – “Angry Young Men” – who emerged in the late 1950s to react (in very diverse ways) against stale middle class drawing room drama which formed the staple of British theatre.They are united in becoming celebrated almost as “national treasures”. Pinter received the Nobel Prize in 2005 and Wesker was knighted in 2006. And (although neither had a religious upbringing) they are united in their Hackney Jewish heritage and both were shaped by the informed questioning central to the working-class Jewish culture in which they were raised.
This walk will be led on Saturday September 19 and Sunday September20 by acknowledged Hackney expert and author, Laurie Elks. Born in the Borough and still resident, he has a love for its exceptional history. The walk will begin at Hackney Central Station and end at the junction of Upper Clapton Road and Cazenove Road. There will be some performed readings. Starting time is 10.30 on both days. https://openhouselondon.open-city.org.uk/listings/9362
Special Issue of Modern Drama on Pinter deadline extended
Please be sure to join the International Harold Pinter Society. https://www.pintersociety.org/membership/
Essays for The Harold Pinter Review are due 1 August. The next issue welcomes essays on sex and drama. https://www.editorialmanager.com/hpr/default.aspx
For more information, contact Ann C. Hall, ann.hall@louisville.edu
