Robert Gray Merritt (1936 – June 5, 1999) was a Nova Scotia playwright, film critic, and educator.
Robert Merritt | |
|---|---|
| Born | Robert Gray Merritt 1936 |
| Died | June 5, 1999 (aged 62–63) |
| Known for | Namesake of Robert Merritt Awards |
Personal life
editMerritt was born in Yonkers, NY, the son of John Gray and Mildred (Rust) Merritt.
Merritt died in 1999 of complications arising from congestive heart failure and cancer, five years after taking early retirement.[1]
Career
editMerritt was a teacher in Houston and Oklahoma in the 1960s. From the 1970s through the 1990s, he was a professor of theatre, specializing in playwriting and film, at Dalhousie University's Department of Theatre. He was well known for challenging the conventions of mainstream theatre and encouraging his many students to find their own artistic voices.
Merritt was also a film critic for CBC Radio's morning program, Information Morning. At times he roused strong listener reaction with his attacks on mainstream movies and his promotion of independent film. Describing Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman's Ishtar, Merritt said that it was a pity that the film was not named "Tishtar." because then "if you spelled it backwards, it would almost write its own review."
Legacy
editThe annual Robert Merritt Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in professional theatre in Nova Scotia, are named in his honour. The Merritts celebrate accomplishment in acting, directing, playwrighting, design, technical theatre, and production.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Biography of Robert Merritt". Theatre Nova Scotia. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
- ^ Leung, Parie (January 3, 2011). "The Robert Merritt Theatre Awards (Merritt Awards)". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
External links
edit- The Robert Merritt Awards from Theatre Nova Scotia
- From Artillery to Zuppa Circus, recorded memory of theatre life in Nova Scotia