Founded at Yale University by Robert Brustein, the American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) became one of America's most progressive and provocative regional theatres. During the Brustein era, the A.R.T was distinctive for being one of the few regional theaters to maintain a resident company, perform in rotating repertory, and tour internationally. The A.R.T. has always focused on new interpretations of the classics, the presentation of little-known work, and the development of new American plays. This, in addition to Brustein's modernist aesthetic, has attracted some of the world's most important artists to work with the program. This book is the first to organize, analyze, and present A.R.T. information in one authoritative source.
The heart of the book is a chronology of every production done for the Loeb Stage and New Stages series during the Brustein years. Each entry includes a synopsis of the play, a list of the artistic personnel, a cast list, the opening date, commentary and critical responses to the production. Other sections include: a detailed history of the A.R.T. , historical highlights, biographies of key personnel, and 75 pages of appendixes organizing data from the program's entire work force.