Joan Littlewood
Acting
Biography
Joan Maud Littlewood was an English theatre director who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and is best known for her work in developing the Theatre Workshop. She has been called "The Mother of Modern Theatre". Her production of Oh, What a Lovely War! in 1963 was one of her more influential pieces.
Known For
A long-running ITV arts and culture series that aired from 1961 to 1968, Tempo was a landmark British television programme dedicated to the performing and visual arts. With a flexible magazine format and an open editorial remit, the series explored cinema, music, dance, photography, literature, theatre, and contemporary cultural life. Combining intellectual ambition with accessible presentation, Tempo established a model for serious arts broadcasting on commercial television and laid the groundwork for later landmark programmes such as Aquarius and The South Bank Show.
Tempo
The working-class Smiths change their initially sunny views on World War I after the five boys of the family witness the harsh reality of trench warfare.
Oh! What a Lovely War
Charlie returns to the East End after two years at sea to find his house demolished and wife Maggie gone. Everyone else knows she is now shacked up with married bus driver Bert and a toddler, and they all watch with more than a little interest at the trail of mayhem Charlie leaves as he goes about sorting things out.
Sparrows Can't Sing
1990 BBCTV documentary on the life of the late celebrated folk singer, playwright and political activist
The Ballad of Ewan MacColl
An authored film by Margaret Drabble about the rise of the suburbs and the failure of city planning.
I Love This Dirty Town
An east London youth drama group improvises scenes based upon their everyday life under the tutelage of Joan Littlewood.
Everybody's an Actor, Shakespeare Said
Littlewood talks candidly about her life and work in the theatre with contributions from various actors.