Timberlake Wertenbaker
Timberlake Wertenbaker
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Timberlake Wertenbaker (pronounced "wert-en-bay-ker") was a British playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. Her work often explored themes of identity, politics, and the human condition.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on August 9, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Timberlake Wertenbaker passed away on June 12, 2023, at the age of 82.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Wertenbaker was a British national by choice, having moved to England with her family as a child. She identified as a playwright, screenwriter, and novelist, but her primary focus was on playwriting.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in New Orleans, Wertenbaker developed an interest in writing at an early age. Her family's move to England exposed her to the country's rich theatrical history, which would later influence her work. She studied English literature at Girton College, Cambridge, where she began writing plays.
Major Accomplishments
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Wertenbaker's breakthrough play, "New Anatomies", was produced in 1972 and marked a significant milestone in her career. Her subsequent works, including "The Love of the Nightingale" (1991) and "After Mary Baldwin" (1985), solidified her reputation as a talented playwright.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Wertenbaker's most notable works include:
"The Lover or The Lady Commanded to Love" (1973): A play that explores the complexities of love and desire.
"After Mary Baldwin": A novel that delves into themes of identity, class, and social justice.
* "The Love of the Nightingale": A play that reimagines ancient Greek mythology in a contemporary context.
Wertenbaker's work has been widely praised for its depth, nuance, and thought-provoking themes. Her writing often challenges societal norms and encourages readers to engage with complex issues.
Impact and Legacy
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Timberlake Wertenbaker's contributions to British theatre are immeasurable. She was a trailblazer in many respects, paving the way for future generations of women playwrights. Her work continues to be performed and studied worldwide, inspiring new audiences and artists alike.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Wertenbaker's quotes often appear in discussions about feminism, identity politics, and social justice. Her writing provides a unique perspective on the human condition, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and beliefs. As a pioneering figure in British theatre, Wertenbaker's legacy continues to inspire and educate audiences today.
With her unflinching gaze at the world around her, Timberlake Wertenbaker left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Her work remains a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to shape our understanding of ourselves and society.
Quotes by Timberlake Wertenbaker
Timberlake Wertenbaker's insights on:

This is a profligate prison for us all, it’s a hellish hole we soldiers have been hauled to because they blame us for losing the war in America.

When I say my prayers I have a terrible doubt. How can I be sure God is forgiving me? What if he will forgive me, but hasn’t forgiven me yet? That’s why I don’t want to die, Sir. That’s why I can’t die. Not until I am sure. Are you sure?

I’d forgotten how arrogant people are in the theater, I’m agreeing to starve for a year and he seems to think I should be pleased to have the part.

When I say my prayers I have a terrible doubt. How can I be sure God is forgiving me? What if he will forgive me, but hasn't forgiven me yet? That's why I don't want to die, Sir. That's why I can't die. Not until I am sure. Are you sure?

Unexpected situations are often matched by unexpected virtues, are they not?

I'd forgotten how arrogant people are in the theater, I'm agreeing to starve for a year and he seems to think I should be pleased to have the part.

The Greeks believed that it was a citizen's duty to watch a play. It was a kind of work in that it required attention, judgement, patience, all the social virtues.""And the Greek were conquered by the more practical Romans, Arthur.""Indeed, the Romans built their bridges, but they also spent many centuries wishing they were Greeks. And they, after all, were conquered by the barbarians, or by their own corrupt and small spirits.

Why are you so angry with your Duckling, harry? Don't you like it when I open my legs wide to you? Cross them over you - the way you like? What will you do when your little Duckling isn't there anymore to touch you with her soft fingertips, Harry, where you like it? First the left nipple and then the right. Your Duckling doesn't want to leave you, Harry.""Duckling...""I need freedom sometimes, Harry.

Dawes? Dawes, do come back to earth and honour us with your attention for a moment.

This is a profligate prison for us all, it's a hellish hole we soldiers have been hauled to because they blame us for losing the war in America.