April 15 2009 - Playwright A. R. Gurney to Discuss His Work

A. R. Gurney, major American playwright known for comic work that examines the manners and mores of the upper middle class, will deliver the 13th Annual Burian Lecture on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, on the University at Albany's uptown campus. Earlier that same day at 4:15 p.m. the playwright will offer an informal seminar in the same location. The events, which are free and open to the public, are cosponsored by the New York State Writers Institute and UAlbany's Department of Theatre, and funded by the Jarka and Grayce Burian Endowment.

A. R. Gurney, who has been writing for the American stage since the 1950s, is one of the few major playwrights whose past and new work continues to be performed widely. Author of more than 40 plays, the Buffalo, New York native is best-known for trenchant and comic work that examines the manners and mores of the upper middle-class. Frank Rich of the "New York Times" said Gurney has "claimed John Cheever's territory for the stage." Gurney's skill at depicting the decline of the American gentry also invites frequent and favorable comparison with Chekhov.

As he approaches his 80th year, Gurney continues to capture critical attention and admiration with new work for the stage. Ben Brantley of the "New York Times" recently wrote, "...Aside from ... Horton Foote, no eminent American playwright of the last few decades rivals the staying power and productivity of Mr. Gurney."

Gurney has often paid tribute to his home city of Buffalo- from his very first published play, "Love in Buffalo" (1958), to more recent works such as "Crazy Mary" (2007), about a middle-aged manic depressive woman locked up in a pricey mental health facility, and "Buffalo Gal," the story of an aging half-forgotten starlet who returns to the beleaguered upstate city of her youth to pursue her love of theatre.

Classic works by Gurney include "Screen Play" (2005), "Mrs. Farnsworth" (2004), "O Jerusalem" (2003), "Ancestral Voices" (2000), the Pulitzer-nominated "Love Letters" (1990), "The Cocktail Hour" (1988), "The Perfect Party" (1986), "The Dining Room" (1982), "The Golden Age" (1981), "The Middle Ages" (1977), and "Children" (1974).

Gurney's newest play, "A Light Lunch" (2008), is a political satire about life under the presidency of George W. Bush.

For additional information, contact the Writers Institute at 518-442-5620 or online at http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst.