Simone Benmussa, anybody?
Sigma Seven
Anybody come across any treasure troves of Simone Benmussa biographical
information? About all I'm sure of is that she wrote "The Singular Life
of Albert Nobbs" and is a prominent French director, probably very
Brechtian. Dunno. If so, please drop me a line. She's a hard person to
find info on. Thanks in advance.
--Sig, new to r.a.t.m., might forget it exists in the morning....
--
sig...@ksu.ksu.edu-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=http://www.ksu.edu/~sigma7
"...You're not in a fraternity, are you?" --Shirley Manson
Sumpwhite
Check out her book, BENMUSSA DIRECTS, which includes PORTRAIT OF DORA and
THE SINGULAR LIFE OF ALBERT NOBBS, as well as a lengthy introduction. You
can always write to her agent for a bio and other references. Good luck.
Bruce Candlish
INSTRUCTOR OF THEATRE. Bloomsburg University Communication Studies
Department, Division of Theatre, invites applications for one temporary
theatre faculty pool, and one full-time or two part-time sabbatical
replacement positions for Spring 1997, to teach undergraduate courses in
Introduction to Theatre Arts and/or an area of specialization (design,
technical, or performance). Preference will be given to candidates who
are prepared to design or direct in the mainstage season. Qualifications:
M.F.A. or equivalent eaperience. College teaching and/or professional
theatre experience preferred. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse
populations. In accordance with the faculty contract, finalists will be
recommended by the majority of the regular full-time Department faculty.
Send letter of application, resume, three letters of recommendation and
undergraduate and graduate transcripts to: Theatre Search #25-5-39, 106
Waller Hall, Bloomsburg University, 400 E. Second St., Bloomsburg, PA
17815. Only applications postmarked by August 1, 1996 can be assured full
consideration.
Karen Mercedes
I'm not sure about that "very Brechtian". It appears that Mlle. Benmussa
directed Neil Simon's JAKE'S WOMEN at the Centre Fraternal in Palafrugell,
Cataluna, in April of this year. Granted, JAKE'S WOMEN is a bit off the
wall for Neil Simon, but I'd hardly call it Brechtian.
She also appears to be/have been a guest professor at the Institute of
Theatre (Institut del Teatre) during their 1995-96 course, "Especialitat
d'Interpretacio". You might try getting more information on her from the
Institute, which is at Sant Pere mes baix, 7 - 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
The telephone number in Spain is 93-268 2078, the fax 93-268 1070.
Her work in Barcelona leads me to believe she may not be French, but
Catalan. It would be interesting to find out; her surname certainly isn't
French.
There is also a book called BENMUSSA DIRECTS, with introduction by Simone
Benmussa (London: Calder / Dallas: Riverrun Press 1979).
Hope this helps.
Karen Mercedes
merc...@access.digex.net
=====
Henry Hample
A look into the Reader's Guide to Periodicals should turn up something.
Benmussa has directed productions in France, and in the late 70s-early 80s
London, and New York so I am certain there were peices on her in the
Sunday New York Times etc. at the time of these productions. I read about
her in theater journals in the 80s. I know that Albert Nobbs was done in
NYC by Manhattan Theater Club with Glenn Close and Lucinda Childs in the
leads. I also know that Susanna York appeared in a London production of
another play that had venesian blinds convering the entire width of the
stage. (I believe York also played Nobbs at some time.) One of her plays
was based on the case of Freud and Dora. A book of her plays was published
in English in the 80s--it may have been Performing Arts Journal Press.
I am rather intrigued by the idea of such a *serious* director tackling
Neil Simon. What next? Robert Wilson directing Who's Life Is It Anyway?
Anyone know more about this production of Jake's Women?