Description
Book SynopsisSir Ronald Harwood (1934-2020) was one of the most prolific playwrights and screenwriters of his generation. His acclaimed play,
The Dresser, has been constantly revived since its premiere in 1980 and has been adapted for both cinema and television, most recently the 2015 BBC production starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Ian McKellen. Harwood's other notable film adaptations included Roman Polanski's haunting depiction of life in the Warsaw Ghetto,
The Pianist (2002), Baz Luhrmann's frontier epic,
Australia (2008), and Dustin Hoffman's poignant celebration of old age,
Quartet (2012). His many awards included an Oscar for
The Pianist and a BAFTA for
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007).
Speak Well of Me turns the focus onto Harwood himself. Based on extensive interviews with the playwright during his final years, the biography recounts Harwood's gradual transformation from lacklustre South African schoolboy to doyen of theatreland
Trade ReviewRonald Harwood is a highly intelligent dramatist who handles important themes with a powerful theatrical skill. Furthermore he possesses an ability to tell stories, by which I mean his sense of narrative binds his skills to produce a compelling stage battle. I envy his abilities. * Arnold Wesker *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Prologue
Act One: WALKING THE BOARDS 1.) A Man from the Colonies 2.) Uncle Lionel 3.) 'Clean My Boots!'
Act Two: A STAR IS BORN 4.) Early Magic 5.) 'Mine for the Asking'
Act Three: BEYOND OLYMPIA 6.) Show Business 7.) Man of Letters INTERVAL 8.) The Good Companion
Act Four: SARTOR RESARTUS: The Tailor Retailored 9.) The Dresser 10.) With the Greats
Act Five: AUTUMN TRIUMPH 11.) The Pianist 12.) Arise, Sir Ronald CURTAIN CALL 13.) At Home Acknowledgements Major Works By Ronald Harwood Endnotes Index
