Zero Mostel talks about acting theory, French and American theater differences, and the reflection of art in society.

Zero Mostel talks about acting theory, French and American theater differences, and the reflection of art in society.

Contrary to what some people believe, Zero Mostel says that being an actor is not that easy of a job. Everything one knows, Mostel explains, becomes apart of who you are. The more one knows, the better his/her work will be.

Wole Soyinka discusses the play "Death and the King's Horseman." Includes passages from the play and Nigerian funeral music.

Now being a professional playwright, William Gibson talked about being able to write one of his plays in 8 days. A lot of the discussion is about his play, "The Miracle Worker". After reading one of Annie Sullivan's letters, and learning about a battle royale that Sullivan had with Helen Keller, Gibson envisioned what that battle royale would look like. It became a now famous part of the play.

William Ball discusses the American Conservatory Theater in Pittsburg, PA. They discuss in great detail how different the company is. Specifically that they keep themselves learning and perfecting the classic style. Dick Christiansen theater and film critic joins the conversation.

Studs Terkel and playwright Wallace Shawn discuss Shawn’s play “The Designated Mourner,” and the play’s deeper themes. Both Shawn and Terkel read monologues from the play.

Viveca Lindfors discusses her roles and the roles of women in society. Includes Viveca Lindfors reciting lines written by Lillian Hellman.

Actor, director, and author Vincent Dowling performs scenes and roles from his repertoire. He discusses his previous plays and touches on what influenced his career in acting and directing.

While performing some of their original material, comedians Vic Greco and Fred Willard talk about how they come up with their ideas for their shows. Always the entertainers, and while talking over one another, Greco and Willard explain that most of what they do on stage is improvisation.

Studs Terkel interviews Valentin Pluchek and Stanislaw Pchenikov on Russia theater, focusing mainly on the city of Moscow.

Police officer Tommy Titmus recalls what it was like when people marched and protested at Clerkenwell Green. Titmus said the people marching resembled a rejected lot. Their marching had a purpose, explained Titmus, to demonstrate their plight to the queen. Residents of West Ham Old People's Home all agreed when people speak of the "Good Old Days," that there is no such thing. Jim Field, 79, Ted Blurton, 77, Mrs. MacClaine, 82, and Mrs. Mansfield, 69, said there were no jobs and there was no food. Mr. Field had to sell his pet canary to obtain money to get food.

Interviewing the cast of the musical revue "Suburbs of Heaven," songwriter Thom Bishop, singers Marty Peifer and Megon McDonough. Songs include "Mr. Arthur's Place," "Why Not Talk to Me?" "The Telephone Song," "Just Because You Didn't See Me," "Suburbs of Heaven," "Times I Tried to Love You," "Amateur Night/New Year's Eve," and "Somebody Feels the Water."

Interviewing with the very "u" girl at the establishment (Part 2) while Studs was in England.

Moses Gunn, Elizabeth Franz, and Novella Nelson, cast members of Martin Duberman's "In White America," discuss the play and its reception. Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, or offensive language. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations