Albee on Theatre

Abstract

Albee has always shared his thoughts on theatre with his public. While he has been vitally concerned with the defence of the theatre and the promotion of its role in society, he has sometimes been too ready to be deflected into a discussion of the ‘meaning’ of his work. The episode of Tiny Alice and its reception in 1964 is illuminating. Calling a press conference is no answer to the problem of obscurity in a dramatist’s latest play. If on that occasion Albee seemed to be seeking a dialogue with press and public, it was in part a response to their constant discussion of meaning. Albee has said so much on the subject that his remarks need to be put in perspective.