John Alden (theatre)
John Alden | |
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Born | Gordon Henry Buchanan 19 January 1908 Taree, New South Wales, Australia |
Died | 10 November 1962 , Australia | (aged 54)
Occupations |
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Known for | Founder of the John Alden Shakespeare Company |
John Alden, born Gordon Henry Buchanan, (19 January 1908 – 10 November 1962) was an Australian radio and theatrical actor, manager and director noted for his interpretation of
Biography
Alden was born and grew up in
He spent three years working in England, including some performances at the
He was a foundation member of the "Radio Players" whose first production The Vinegar Tree opened at
He then formed his own Shakespeare company which in 1951–52 embarked on a national tour, playing major parts as well as producing.[7][8]
He had a heart attack in 1955 and appeared in early Australian TV plays.
In 1959 he was sponsored by J. C. Williamson in a national Shakespeare tour with Scottish actor John Laurie playing Lear and Shylock alternately with him.
In 1961 he helped organise the Sydney Shakespeare Festival. He died in 1962, from a coronary occlusion.
Sources
References
- ^ Lane, Richard (2000). The Golden Age of Australian Radio Drama Volume 2. National Film and Sound Archive. pp. 59–62.
- ^ Sydney Morning Herald 18 August 1934
- ^ Sydney Morning Herald 24 November 1941
- ^ Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday July 1943
- ^ Canberra Times Saturday July 1952
- ^ "Radio Players Open with Vinegar Tree" Sydney Morning Herald 5 August 1946
- ^ Hobart Mercury 22 November 1952 review of The Winter's Tale
- ^ Melbourne Argus 29 March 1952 critique of Melbourne season