About the film
“In my opinion, and of course in the opinion of many, many others, no one has rendered greater service to the art of the theater than Eric Bentley.”
Eric Bentley is one of the most respected theater critics, playwrights, editors and translators of the 20th century. For his 100th year, a galaxy of stars honored him at Broadway’s legendary Town Hall. The historic evening featured the participation of Tony Kushner, Austin Pendleton, Harold Bloom, James Shapiro, Edward Mendelson, Phillip Lopate, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, Michael Paller, and Roger Copeland, and was emceed by Michael Riedel. Songs for Mother Courage by Milhaud and Bentley were performed by Karyn Levitt with a chamber orchestra conducted by Glen Roven, as well as songs from Bentley's Brecht-Eisler SongBook. The film captures all the highlights from this one-of-a-kind live tribute to Eric Bentley, whose influential contributions changed how theater is understood and performed.
“An eloquent tribute to an irreplaceable man.”
— Irving Wardle, (formerly) drama critic for The Times of London; theatre critic for The Observer and The Independent on Sunday
“Congratulations on a fascinating and unique film.”
— Allan Miller, two-time Oscar winner, Emmy winner, documentary filmmaker