Interviewing Shakespearean actor and director John Neville. Program includes an excerpt of a 1958 interview with Neville (T2299).

Susan Nussbaum, founder of Access Living and Michael Pachovas founder of Disabled Prisoners Program discuss the upcoming Disabled Americans Freedom Rally in the backdrop of the International Year of the Disabled Persons and President Reagan's budget cuts. Society needs to understand that expenditures are required to secure the rights of disabled people to live active, productive lives. They need to be able to get out of their apartment buildings or homes, travel on sidewalks and ride buses. That may require access ramps, working elevators, cut curbs, and hydraulic buses to lower steps.

Studs Terkel interviews Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino on the 30th anniversary of Joffrey Ballet.

Studs Terkel discusses the history of dance and its future with Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino.

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.

Director John Hirsch discusses and analyzes his interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” with Studs Terkel during a party for the Stratford Theater Company. Hirsch calls “Hamlet” a pessimistic play, commenting on Shakespeare’s depiction of society and the nature of the characters. He also says that the play’s complexities allow for several interpretations and understandings of the work, which contributes to his bare and simple production of Hamlet. The two discuss Hirsch’s production of “Mother Courage” and how current events and personal experiences influence Hirsch’s work.

Theatrical designer, producer, and director Mordecai Gorelik discusses his career in the theater industry and the strong influence of Bertolt Brecht. Gorelik worked his way from volunteering at the Group Theater in New York to working with designers such as Robert Edmund Jones.