 |
Peter ShefferEnglish playwright and screenwriter
Date of Birth: 15.05.1926
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Peter Shaffer
Peter Shaffer was an English playwright and screenwriter. Known for his psychological plays that explore the relationships between seemingly contrasting characters, his work had a profound impact on the development of English theatre in the 20th century. Renowned theatre critic Benedict Nightingale described Shaffer's plays as encompassing all eras and the entire world, addressing questions that have troubled minds from Job to Samuel Beckett.
Early Life and Education
Peter Shaffer was born on May 15, 1926, in Liverpool, England. He completed his schooling at St. Paul's School in London in 1944. From 1944 to 1947, he worked as a miner before attending lectures at Trinity College, Cambridge University. In 1950, he obtained a Bachelor's degree. After spending some time in New York, where he held various jobs, Shaffer returned to London in 1954.
Writing Career
In the early years of his career, Shaffer collaborated with his twin brother, Anthony Shaffer, who was also a playwright. One of Anthony's most famous plays, "Sleuth" (1970), was successfully adapted into a film in 1972, starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine. Peter Shaffer gained critical acclaim with his play "Five Finger Exercise" (1958), which won the Evening Standard Award and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Foreign Play in 1960.
Other notable plays by Shaffer include "The Private Ear" and "The Public Eye" (1962), "Black Comedy" (1965), and "Equus" (1973). "Equus" received numerous awards, including the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, the Tony Award, and the Critics' Circle Theatre Award. In 1977, Shaffer adapted "Equus" into a screenplay for a film.
One of Shaffer's most famous works, "Amadeus" (1979), brought him international recognition. The play tells the story of the friendly rivalry between Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Italian composer Antonio Salieri. In 1984, Shaffer co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of "Amadeus," which won multiple awards, including the Golden Globe and eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Throughout his career, Shaffer also wrote plays for television and radio, including "The Salt Land" (1955), "Balance of Terror," and "Whom Do I Have the Honor of Addressing?" In 1987, he was honored with the Order of the British Empire.
Peter Shaffer's works continue to be performed and celebrated for their exploration of complex human relationships and psychological themes.
