Wellesnet: The Orson Welles Web Resource

Inspired by the groundbreaking Federal Theatre Project's production, The American Century Theater in Arlington, Virginia, is currently offering up its own take of "Voodoo Macbeth."

While the production is set in an era and location removed from Orson Welles' landmark 1936 version, it is getting high marks for pushing the boundaries of theater – something that would have no doubt pleased Welles.

Here is a sampling of what Washington, D.C. area critics are saying about The American Century Theater production, which runs through April 13.

"'Voodoo Macbeth' was Orson Welles’s pot-stirring, 1936 adaptation of Shakespeare’s captivating Scottish thriller – pot-stirring because Welles set it not in Scotland, but in Haiti with an all-black cast. NoVa’s American Century Theater takes an altogether new (more...)

Orson Welles attended the Todd School for Boys from 1926 to 1931. He formed a lasting friendship with his mentor, headmaster Roger "Skipper" Hill. His 95-year-old daughter, Joanne Hill Tarbox Styles, has written an essay on Welles' time in Woodstock, Illinois. Styles was married for than 50 years to Welles' childhood rival, Hascy Tarbox. Wellesnet would like to thank Ms. Styles and Academy Award winning filmmaker Chuck Workman of the upcoming "The Magician" for the opportunity to share her recollections with our readers.
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By JOANNE HILL TARBOX STYLES

Orson Welles came to the Todd School in 1926 when he was 11 and I was 9 years old. We were not that far apart in age, but his scope of knowledge of the world's literature, geography, history music, fine arts, and drama was generations ahead of mine.

This was a very unusual boy. He had need of a very unusual education. My father, especially, but also my mother was very enamored, captivated and charmed by this out-of-the-ordinary youth. He was warmly welcomed into our family apartment in Wallingford Hall.

My parents enjoyed visiting with him. His visits were a daily occurrence. Here was a boy who could have a discussion about China, Europe, Toulouse Lautrec, Renoir, Mozart, Hugo, Voltaire and Shakespeare and many, many others. I was furious! Why would my parents spend hours with Orson, when they wouldn't spend much time with me?

One day I tore into Orson, telling him just what I thought of his behavior, which was certainly very negative, He looked at me with a condescending, supercilious smile and said "Joanne, everyone has their little idiosyncrasies" and  (more...)

By MIKE TEAL

The Illinois stage where a 19-year-old Orson Welles launched his professional theatrical career was dedicated in his honor on Sunday, February 10.

About 40 people, including members of Woodstock Celebrates Inc., attended the afternoon dedication of the Orson Welles Stage at the Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock, Illinois.

Woodstock Celebrates, which spearheaded the dedication effort, is planning events in May 2014, marking the 80th anniversary of the Todd Theatre Festival during which Welles made his directorial debut, and May 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth. (more...)

By RAY KELLY

The Library of Congress American Memory website contains a vast collection of scripts, internal documents and memorabilia related to the Federal Theatre Project and the works of a young Orson Welles.

The website has a treasure trove of items from Welles' 1936 production of "Voodoo" Macbeth and his 1937 staging of The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus.

As part of FDR's New Deal, the Federal Theatre Project funded theater and other live (more...)

By RAY KELLY

Nearly 75 years later, the "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast continues to inspire.

Last year, the faux documentary "War of the Worlds: The True Story" was released to movie theaters. Now, a one-act play based on the 1938 broadcast has won an Oregon competition for playwrights.

"We Interrupt This Program," by Justin Blasdel of Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a comedy about two families' contrasting reactions to the Mercury Theatre broadcast on October 30, 1938.

The Astor Street Opry Co., which organized the competition, will stage "We Interrupt This Program" during its New Works Festival from Februay 1 through 16 in Astoria, Oregon. It will be directed by Markus Brown, and star Kendall McEuen, Tieler Ferrell, Josh Loring and Ben VanOsdol.

Tickets are priced at $15 or less and available by calling (503) 325-6104 or online at www.astorstreetoprycompany.com (more...)

By LAWRENCE FRENCH

Orson Welles appearance on The David Frost Show recorded on May 12, 1970 came before most of the numerous biographies about Welles had been published, providing us with Welles' own point of view on some very interesting aspects of his life and work.

This interview also took place in the midst of the cultural revolution of the late sixties, when Welles was still at work on his planned TV show, Orson's Bag, and in a few months would begin shooting on The Other Side of the Wind. Both projects related rather heavily on various aspects of the counter-culture and youth movement that was so much a part of (more...)

In response to a reader question, Playbill.com recently offered a condensed history of The Mercury Theatre on Broadway.

Worth checking out for those unfamiliar with young Orson Welles' pre-Hollywood career, the article chronicles his partnership with John Houseman from their days with the Federal Theatre Project, as well as the fate of the Manhattan building that once housed the Mercury. (It was renamed Artef, a Yiddish theater, in 1940 and demolished two years later). (more...)

The University of Wisconsin – Madison will present Marc Blitzstein's "The Cradle Will Rock" on November 16 through December 8.

The University Theater describes the musical as a "satirical glimpse into 'Steeltown, USA' (which) offers a biting critique of corruption, commerce, and humanity’s value in the face of unchecked capitalism – issues that continue to divide our country and state 75 years later."

Controversial at the time for its pro-union stance, "The Cradle Will Rock' was first performed on Broadway in 1937 by the Federal Theatre Project. (more...)

UPDATE: Due to a power loss at Country Gate Playhouse, the production has been postponed until Nov. 17 at 8 p.m.

By RAY KELLY

New Jersey's Country Gate Players will present "Orson's Path," a new play about the maverick road taken by theater and film director Orson Welles.

The new drama will be presented on November 3, at 8 p.m. at the Country Gate Playhouse, 114 Greenwich Street, Belvidere, New Jersey.

In receiving the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1975, Welles had characterized himself as a "maverick." In "Orson's Path," (more...)

"Orson Welles: A One-Person Play in Two Acts" by Michael B. Druxman is now available as an audiobook.

Performed by Edward French, the 69-minute performance is available through audible.com, iTunes.com and amazon.com. It is also available in paperback and Kindle.

According to the publisher, "The play finds Welles trying to find the financing for one (more...)

By RAY KELLY

Toronto's The Art Of Time Ensemble will once again present "The War of the Worlds" on stage at Harbourfront Centre from October 30 through November 4.

Actors, musicians and a Foley man will recreate the 1938 radio play, which convinced many frightened listeners into believing a Martian invasion was taking place. Art Of Time Artistic Director Andrew Burashko guided (more...)

By RAY KELLY

From Down Under, a theatrical look at Orson Welles' career is continuing to gain attention.

"Pearls Before Swine: An Evening With Orson Welles" - an Australian one-man play written and performed by Blake Erickson - made its debut in September 2010 at the Sydney Fringe Festival, where it won top acting honors for Erickson.

Since its debut, the production has enjoyed two successful seasons in Sydney. It will soon be seen at Chapel Off Chapel in (more...)