Antony Sher
Antony Sher: A Life of Uncompromising Artistry
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Antony Sher was born as Anton Wilhelm Scher on 20 March 1948 in Cape Town, South Africa. He is more commonly known by his birth name or as Tony Sher.
Birth and Death Dates
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Sher passed away on 3 December 2017 at the age of 69 due to complications from an undisclosed illness. His life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of theatre, literature, and beyond.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Born in South Africa, Sher held British nationality by the time of his passing. He was a dramatist, actor, and critic, whose work spanned multiple mediums and genres.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Cape Town, Sher's early life was marked by a deep-seated passion for drama and performance. His family encouraged this interest, fostering an environment that allowed him to hone his skills and pursue his dreams. In 1967, he moved to the United Kingdom to further his education and career.
Major Accomplishments
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Sher's body of work is characterized by its sheer diversity and depth. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Apostles: Sher's first play, which premiered in 1972 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, marked the beginning of a storied career.
Pravda: This satirical drama, written in collaboration with Richard Bean, exposed the dark underbelly of Soviet-era politics and was a critical success upon its premiere in 2005.
Year of the Death of Ricardo III: Sher's critically acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare's Richard III, which he also directed and starred in, cemented his reputation as a masterful interpreter of classical works.Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his playwriting and acting endeavors, Sher was also an accomplished theatre critic. His insightful reviews and articles offered readers a glimpse into the mind of a true artist and thinker. Some notable examples include:
Theatre Record: Sher was a contributing editor for this esteemed publication, sharing his expertise with audiences worldwide.
The Guardian: He wrote extensively for this leading British newspaper, offering readers thoughtful analysis and critique of contemporary theatre.Impact and Legacy
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Antony Sher's impact on the world of theatre is immeasurable. His unwavering commitment to artistic integrity and uncompromising vision have inspired generations of artists and critics alike. Through his work, he continues to educate, entertain, and challenge audiences worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Sher's enduring influence can be attributed to several factors:
Unwavering passion: His dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of his work.
Intellectual curiosity: Sher's engagement with complex themes and ideas has made him a leading voice in contemporary theatre.
Artistic versatility: His ability to excel as both a playwright and actor has allowed him to leave an indelible mark on the world of performance.
In conclusion, Antony Sher was a true visionary whose life and work will continue to inspire and educate audiences for years to come.
Quotes by Antony Sher
I never regret things. It's a really dangerous thing to say, but for anyone involved in the arts, the bad things that happen make for good material. It's not a comfortable truth, but it is true.
You don't expect to get the letter saying, Her Majesty would like to appoint you Knight Commander of the British Empire! It was just a completely overwhelming and exciting day.
When I am on a long run in a play, I'm not sure how I would fill the days if I did not paint or write. On a basic level, it just stops me going crazy.
As we're leaving the King's Arms Hotel after Sunday lunch, I watch a beautiful white dove walking down the wet road. A car approaches and the bird accidentally turns into the wheel rather than away from it. A gentle crunch. The car passes. A shape like a discarded napkin left in the road. Still perfectly white, no red stains, but bearing no relation anymore to the shape of a bird. A trail of white feathers flutter down the road after the car. The suddeness is very upsetting. That gentle crunch.
If I could write a letter to my teenage self, I'd probably say something like: 'You ain't gonna believe what will become of you.'
Most of my career has been spent with the RSC doing Shakespeare, and the thing you learn from Shakespeare is that his historical plays don't bear anything other than a basic resemblance to history.
I feel so sorry for younger actors who aren't able to have the opportunities that I had, starting out in repertory theatre. It's really tough on young actors now.
I believe deeply in therapy. There's no one in the world who wouldn't benefit from it.