French actor and director Jean Vilar discusses French Theater and the Théâtre National Populaire.

In the first part of this program Studs Terkel discusses French theater with critic Jean Vilar. In the second part, Studs and Eugène Ionesco discuss Ionesco’s work and the Theater of the Absurd.

Jean Gascon, the artistic director of the Stratford Theater in Ontario, Canada, speaks with Studs Terkel about his production of “The Alchemist.” His interpretation of playwright Ben Jonson’s work opened in Chicago at the Studebaker Theater, alongside “Hamlet” directed by John Hirsch. Gascon talks a bit on his career in theater and the cultural influences on his directing style. Gascon admires Jonson’s work and social commentary, and feels themes of “The Alchemist” are relevant to current issues in society.

Jane Stedman discusses the lives of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan and the works they created jointly as Gilbert and Sullivan with emphasis on their comic opera "Utopia, Limited."

*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

James Graham-Lujan concludes by talking about Garcia Lorca's most celebrated plays, Blood Wedding, Yerma, and The House of Bernarda Alba. Tragedy is brought about due to the passion of a woman in each of the plays.

Discussing the works of Federico Garcia Lorca with translator James Graham-Lujan. Garcia Lorca was a great poet and playwright and he re-vitalized Spanish theater with his eleven plays, according to Graham-Lujan. Garcia Lorca's life was joyous and full of life unlike the theme of his plays, which was tragedy and death.

Jones discusses the play "Othello" where he plays the lead character Othello.

Jackie "Moms" Mabley talks about her life and career as a comedian. She speaks about how comedy/humor has changed and how some have become thieves of material. Copyrighted material has been removed from this program.

Jackie "Moms" Mabley talks about her life and career as a comedian. She speaks fondly of her hometown and of her childhood and family. Copyrighted material has been removed from this program.

Ivy Compton-Burnett continues the discussion of class structure in England. Ms. Compton-Burnett states that she has never been a actor but she had always been an observer, to which Studs agrees that her writing reflect her statement accurately. He ends the interview by telling Ms. Compton-Burnett that she is a true original and that he greatly admires her individuality. Interview ends at 13:00. (part 2) Studs then begins an interview with Peter Hall at Aldwych theater office London, England. Mr.