The Enduring Legacy of Don Nigro: A Playwright’s Playwright
In the early 1980s, Lawrence Harbison, then with Samuel French, received a call to judge finalists for the National Play Award, an award honoring Julie Harris. That call led to the discovery of Don Nigro, a prolific playwright whose operate, while critically acclaimed, remained largely under the radar for many years. Nigro’s Anima Mundi, a play described as unlike anything Harbison had ever read, sparked a decades-long relationship and a remarkable publishing history.
A Unique Voice in American Theatre
Nigro’s plays often defied conventional theatrical norms. Anima Mundi, for example, follows a poet’s journey through Europe, encountering figures like Madame Blavatsky, Yeats, and Aleister Crowley, with each scene dramatizing a Tarot card reading. This willingness to embrace the unconventional, combined with a penchant for large casts and historical settings, presented challenges to mainstream production. Harbison noted that many contemporary theatres favor smaller casts and plays set in the present day.
The Constraints of Circumstance
Despite his talent, Nigro faced obstacles that hindered wider recognition. He prioritized caring for his disabled veteran father, limiting his ability to network and promote his work. Later, a commitment to caring for stray cats further restricted his travel. These personal circumstances, while admirable, contributed to his relative obscurity within the American theatre scene.
International Acclaim and a Growing Catalogue
While Nigro’s work found limited traction in the U.S. Beyond smaller companies and schools, it gained significant popularity in Eastern Europe, particularly through the efforts of Russian director and translator Viktor Weber. This international success provided a substantial income stream through royalties. Nigro maintained an astonishing output, consistently writing two or three full-length plays and numerous shorter works each year.
A Playwright’s Playwright: No Development Needed
Harbison emphasizes the remarkable quality of Nigro’s writing, stating that his plays were “ready to go” upon completion, requiring no further development. This is a rare attribute, as most plays undergo multiple revisions and workshops. Nigro’s mastery of the 10-minute play form was particularly notable, with numerous publications in annual anthologies.
The Numbers Advise the Story
The sheer volume of Nigro’s work is staggering. Concord Theatricals (formerly Samuel French) currently licenses 84 full-length plays, 225 short plays, 54 10-minute plays, and 64 monologues. An additional 75 plays are held in manuscript. Combined with publications from Next Stage Press, this totals 437 licensable titles – a testament to Nigro’s prolific imagination.
Did you know?
Don Nigro often had 37 plays “put aside” while he worked on others, demonstrating his constant creative process and willingness to explore fresh ideas.
Why Don Nigro Matters Today
Don Nigro’s story is a reminder that artistic merit doesn’t always equate to widespread recognition. His dedication to his craft, his unique voice, and his prolific output deserve greater attention. His work offers a rich and diverse catalogue for theatres seeking challenging and rewarding material.
FAQ
Q: What was unique about Don Nigro’s plays?
A: His plays often featured large casts, historical settings, and unconventional narratives, setting them apart from many contemporary works.
Q: Why wasn’t Don Nigro more well-known in the U.S.?
A: Personal circumstances, including caring for his father and cats, limited his ability to network and promote his work. His plays didn’t always align with current theatrical trends.
Q: Where did Don Nigro find success?
A: He gained significant recognition and financial success in Eastern Europe, particularly through the support of Viktor Weber.
Q: How many plays did Don Nigro write?
A: He wrote a total of 437 licensable titles, including full-length plays, short plays, 10-minute plays, and monologues.
Pro Tip: Explore Concord Theatricals’ catalogue to discover Don Nigro’s plays and consider them for your next production.
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