Diane Paulus
Diane Paulus: A Pioneering Theatre Director and Visionary
Full Name and Common Aliases
Diane Paulus is a renowned American theatre director, known for her innovative approach to storytelling and her commitment to social justice.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 31, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York. (Still active and alive as of this writing.)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Theatre Director, Producer, and Professor
Early Life and Background
Diane Paulus grew up in a family that valued the arts. Her father was a poet and her mother a painter. This creative upbringing instilled in her a passion for storytelling and performance. She attended Barnard College, where she developed a keen interest in theatre and music.
Major Accomplishments
Paulus's career spans over four decades, with numerous accolades to her name. Some of her most notable achievements include:
Directing the Broadway productions of "Hair," "Pippin," and "Waitress"
Founding the American Repertory Theater (ART) in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Creating innovative productions that blend music, dance, and theatre
Advocating for social justice and inclusivity in the arts
Notable Works or Actions
Paulus's work is characterized by its creativity and innovation. Some of her most notable productions include:
"Hair" (2019): A Broadway revival of the classic rock musical, which she directed and produced.
"Pippin" (2013): A Tony Award-winning production that reimagined the classic musical as a circus spectacle.
"Waitress" (2007): A Broadway production based on the 2007 film of the same name, which Paulus co-created with Sara Bareilles.Impact and Legacy
Diane Paulus's impact on the world of theatre is profound. Her innovative approach to storytelling has inspired a new generation of artists and producers. Her commitment to social justice and inclusivity has paved the way for greater diversity in the arts.
Paulus's legacy extends beyond her productions. She has been a trailblazer for women in theatre, breaking down barriers and challenging traditional notions of what is possible on stage. Her dedication to arts education has also made a lasting impact, with many students inspired by her work and approach.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Diane Paulus's quotes and insights are sought after by artists, producers, and audiences alike. She is widely remembered for her:
Passionate advocacy for the arts and social justice
Innovative approach to storytelling, which has inspired a new generation of artists
Commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the theatre industry
* Visionary leadership as a producer and director, which has led to numerous critically acclaimed productions
Quotes by Diane Paulus
I'm always interested in working with people who are good team players - that are selfless that way in their interests and dedication to the project.
At the core of what I’m doing is a belief in the audience, a belief that populism doesn’t mean dumbing down theater, but rather giving the audience a voice and a role in experiencing theater.
Im always interested in looking – historically – at how theater can animate history and how all of that can make us engage with our lives in an enriching way.
When you’re a freelance director, you are hired to create the art, and it kind of stops there.
I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t even know what tomorrow brings. When I’m teaching, obviously I’m in town for the class every week.
For me, the reason why people go to a mountaintop or go to the edge of the ocean is to look at something larger than themselves. That feeling of awe, of going to a cathedral, it’s all about feeling lost in something bigger than oneself. To me, that’s the definition of spectacle.
Im always interested in working with people who are good team players – that are selfless that way in their interests and dedication to the project.
Creativity and the world of the imagination – the beauty of what we see as a child and the kind of play that we experience as a child – can be a way for us to survive tough times.
I really challenge every actor at the beginning of a process, and I always say, 'I have an idea that I'm going to bring to the table. I hope and expect that you will have an idea and bring it to the table. But the way I really want to work is that together we're going to have a third idea that is better than either of our ideas.'