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Profiles Kenneth Tynan: The Wittiest, Most Controversial Critic of His Time

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Kenneth Tynan was one of the most influential and controversial theatre critics of the 20th century. He was a brilliant writer, a gifted speaker, and a tireless champion of new and innovative theatre. He was also a provocateur, a gadfly, and a master of self-promotion.

Profiles

by Kenneth Tynan

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	634 pages
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Tynan was born in Birmingham, England, in 1927. He studied at Oxford University, where he began writing for the student newspaper. After graduating, he worked as a journalist for the Observer and the Sunday Times. In 1954, he was appointed drama critic for the Observer, a position he held for ten years.

During his time at the Observer, Tynan became known for his wit, his erudition, and his willingness to challenge the status quo. He was a champion of new playwrights, such as Harold Pinter, John Osborne, and Tom Stoppard. He was also a vocal critic of the established theatre establishment, which he accused of being stodgy and complacent.

In 1963, Tynan moved to the United States, where he became drama critic for The New Yorker. He continued to write provocative and influential criticism, and he also became a popular television personality. He hosted the BBC television series The Critics, and he appeared as a guest on numerous other shows.

Tynan died in 1980, at the age of 53. He left behind a legacy of brilliant writing and controversial opinions. He was a major force in the theatre world of his time, and his work continues to be read and debated today.

A Master of Self-Promotion

Tynan was a master of self-promotion. He was always willing to court controversy, and he often used his public persona to advance his own career.

One of the most famous examples of Tynan's self-promotion occurred in 1963, when he published a review of the play Oh, Calcutta! in The New Yorker. The play was a collection of sketches that featured nudity and sexual content. Tynan's review was highly positive, and it helped to make the play a major hit.

However, Tynan's review was also controversial. Many people were offended by the play's nudity and sexual content. Tynan was accused of being a prurient sensationalist. However, Tynan defended his review, arguing that the play was a groundbreaking work of art.

Tynan's review of Oh, Calcutta! is just one example of his willingness to court controversy. He was always willing to speak his mind, even if it meant offending people.

A Provocateur

Tynan was a provocateur. He loved to stir things up. He was always willing to challenge the status quo, and he often did so in a provocative and confrontational manner.

One of the most famous examples of Tynan's provocations occurred in 1969, when he published an essay in The New Yorker entitled "The Death of the Theatre." In the essay, Tynan argued that the traditional theatre was dying. He said that the theatre had become irrelevant to modern audiences, and that it was being replaced by new forms of entertainment, such as film and television.

Tynan's essay caused a major uproar in the theatre world. Many people were outraged by his claims, and they accused him of being a traitor to the theatre. However, Tynan stood by his beliefs, and he continued to provoke and challenge the theatre establishment.

Tynan was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant writer, a gifted speaker, and a tireless champion of new and innovative theatre. He was also a provocateur, a gadfly, and a master of self-promotion. He was a major force in the theatre world of his time, and his work continues to be read and debated today.

Profiles Kenneth Tynan

Profiles Kenneth Tynan is a fascinating and revealing biography of one of the most influential and controversial theatre critics of the 20th century. Author Michael Coveney provides awarts of Tynan's life and career, from his early days as a student journalist to his years as drama critic for the Observer and The New Yorker. Coveney also examines Tynan's personal life, including his marriages, his affairs, and his struggles with depression and alcoholism.

Profiles Kenneth Tynan is a must-read for anyone interested in the theatre, in biography, or in the 20th century. It is awarts ting, thought-provoking, and ultimately tragic story of a brilliant and flawed man.

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Profiles

by Kenneth Tynan

5 out of 5