The O'Neill: On the Cutting Room Floor

The O'Neill's Executive Director Preston Whiteway leads a discussion with author, playwright, critic and O'Neill alumnus Jeffrey Sweet and Curator Skip Mercier about the development processes for both of their projects involved with the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Sweet will discuss his new book, "The O'Neill: The Transformation of Modern American Theater," published by Yale University Press. Sweet spent 18 months gathering anecdotes, histories, and results from O'Neill alumni and peers in the field for this book, and will discuss his experiences mapping one of the most influential theater companies in America. He will also share what additional information he considered including and why it was cut from the pages. Mercier curated "Launchpad of the American Theater: The O'Neill Since 1964," a free multimedia exhibition on display in the Vincent Astor Gallery at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts this summer. The exhibition charts the journey of American theater at the O'Neill from its past to present and future, and explore the creative development of its playwrights, composers, students, puppeteers and performers through photos, video, props, scores and scripts. Mercier will share the process of working through the 50 years of material and how he chose what to feature and what was left in the archives.

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Launchpad of the American Theater: The O’Neill Center Since 1964.

The LPA is proud to offer free admission to programs on a first come, first served basis. Admission lines form one hour prior to each program in the lobby of 111 Amsterdam Ave.  At that time one ticket is provided per person. Tickets are not available for advance reservation and saving seats is not permitted. General admission seating. Call 212.642.0142 for more detailed information. All programs are subject to last minute change or cancellation.