Garson Kanin Festival: Arena Stage celebrates the life and career of an American artist October 13, 2005

Garson Kanin enjoyed success authoring novels and nonfiction. He rose to his zenith as a film and theater director, and helped set the standard for modern comedic screenplays. Although Born Yesterday is his most successful play, it is not a singular achievement. In four decades Kanin wrote 15 produced plays. To showcase Garson Kanin?s prolific career, Arena Stage celebrates his life through a special exhibition and a series of events.

Staged Readings of two of Kanin?s lesser-known works...
October 14 at 8:00 p.m. in the Old Vat Room
Peccadillo
(first produced in February 1985)

Kanin once said that this play was about a man afraid of losing his youth, but it was also about a wife and a woman who, far from losing her youth, has gained the beauty of maturity. ?That,? says Kanin, ?is enough to make your mouth water.?

October 15 at 8:00 p.m. in the Old Vat Room
Remembering Mr. Maugham
(first produced in November 1966)

In memory of British novelist and fellow playwright W. Somerset Maugham, Kanin wrote this memoir of the conversations they had throughout their lively friendship.

Think Tank Discussion...

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: the Enduring Legacy of Garson Kanin
October 16 at 5:00 p.m. in the Old Vat Room

Join Arena for an exciting panel discussion examining Kanin?s significance to American theater and culture, moderated by Arena Stage?s Literary Manager Michelle T. Hall. Special guest panelists include Jackson R. Bryer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland; Cindy Gueli, doctoral fellow and adjunct professor of history at American University; Howard Kissel, chief drama critic for the New York Daily News; and A. Tappan Wilder, who holds a master?s of philosophy in American studies from Yale and is also Thornton Wilder?s (Our Town) nephew and the manager of his literary and dramatic properties.

Garson Kanin: Memoirs

October 1 ? November 6 in the Fichandler Lobby

This special exhibition will feature personal items, photos and correspondence graciously supplied by the Garson Kanin Estate.

All events are free; however, reservations are required (except for the exhibition). Call the Arena Stage Sales Office at (202) 488-3300.