Masters of the Stage

In 2002, Arthur Penn sat down for a One-on-One conversation with SDCF Executive Director David Diamond to discuss his triple-threat career in theatre, television and film. He tells the story of his launch into theatre from the army, followed by an early career in TV and the Actors Studio. He talks about his relationship with Bill Gibson which launched two of his biggest successes: The Miracle Worker and Two for the Seesaw, and shares humorous anecdotes about working with Lillian Hellman, Sammy Davis, Jr., George C. Scott, Henry Fonda and the geneses of The Golden Boy, Wait Until Dark, Sly Fox and his film The Left-Handed Gun. Mr. Penn discusses his approach to directing, the importance of casting and his embrace of Stanislavsky's Method for both theatre and film. Other topics include the shrinking audience for theatre today, the self-serving nature of Hollywood, and his early inspirations in Elia Kazan and the Group Theatre. Mr. Penn's positive attitude about both the highs and lows of his career is inspiring, and this ninety-minute discussion with the legendary director should not be missed.