Albert Wertheim

(1940-2003) American academic and theatre researcher.

Biography

Born in New York city. Married to Judith (Barr) Wertheim.

Died April 16, 2003 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Career

He was a member of the English faculty at Indiana University, Bloomington for over 34 years, becoming associate dean of Research and the University Graduate School. An inveterate catalyst and organizer, he directed and helped thousands of international scholars and researchers to connect and work together. He published widely on british and American drama, and on post-colonial writing.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

His specific importance for South African theatre has been his work on Athol Fugard, culminating in a number of articles, and his book The Dramatic Art of Athol Fugard: From South Africa to the World (2000). He was also a member of the editorial board of the South African Theatre Journal and a mentor and advisor to a number of South Africans, including Temple Hauptfleisch. He did much of his South African work at NELM and later facilitated the depository of many Fugard documents and materials at Indiana University.