Margo Jones

Margo Jones was a renowned theatre director and producer who played a significant role in the development of regional theatre in the United States. She is best known for her work with the Theatre '47 company, which she co-founded with Norton Clapp and Eugene McKinney in Dallas, Texas. Jones' contributions to the world of theatre have been recognized by Theatre Communications Group, Theatre Development Fund, and the National Theatre Conference. Her work has been compared to that of other notable theatre directors, including Lee Strasberg, Elia Kazan, and Tyrone Guthrie.

● Early Life and Education

Margo Jones was born on December 12, 1911, in Livingston, Texas, to a family of Methodist ministers. She grew up in Texas and developed an interest in theatre at an early age, attending performances at the Dallas Theatre and the Majestic Theatre (Dallas). Jones pursued her higher education at University of Texas at Austin, where she studied drama and theatre arts under the guidance of Professor Frederick McConnell. She also attended the Yale School of Drama, where she was influenced by the works of Stanislavski and the Moscow Art Theatre.

● Career

Jones began her career in theatre as a stage manager and assistant director at the Dallas Little Theatre, working alongside directors such as B. Iden Payne and Walter Hampden. She later moved to New York City to work with the Theatre Guild, where she was involved in productions such as Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest and George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. Jones' experience in New York City also brought her into contact with notable figures such as Lee Shubert, Jacob Adler, and Theodore Dreiser.

● Theatre Work

In 1947, Jones co-founded the Theatre '47 company in Dallas, Texas, with the goal of producing high-quality, professional theatre in a regional setting. The company's productions included works by Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and William Inge, as well as classics such as Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Molière's Tartuffe. Jones' work with Theatre '47 was recognized by the National Theatre Conference, and she was awarded the Margo Jones Award for her contributions to regional theatre. Her productions also featured the work of notable set designers such as Jo Mielziner and Boris Aronson.

● Legacy

Margo Jones' legacy in the world of theatre is still celebrated today, with many regarding her as a pioneer in the development of regional theatre in the United States. Her work with Theatre '47 paved the way for other regional theatre companies, such as the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Seattle Repertory Theatre in Seattle, Washington. Jones' influence can also be seen in the work of notable theatre directors such as Peter Brook, Trevor Nunn, and Harold Clurman. The Margo Jones Theatre in Dallas, Texas, is named in her honor, and the Theatre Communications Group presents an annual award in her name to recognize excellence in regional theatre.

● Personal Life

Margo Jones was known for her strong personality and her dedication to her work in theatre. She was a close friend and colleague of many notable figures in the theatre world, including Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and Lillian Gish. Jones never married and dedicated her life to her work in theatre, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence theatre professionals today. Her life and work have been the subject of numerous biographies and documentaries, including works by Theatre historian Brenda Murphy and Theatre critic John Gassner. Category:American theatre directors