Eva Le Gallienne (who is Eva Le Gallienne?)

Eva Le Gallienne was a renowned British-born American stage actress, producer, director, translator, and author. She was a significant figure in the American theater of the 20th century, particularly known for her commitment to producing literary and high-quality plays, her efforts in establishing the Civic Repertory Theatre in New York, and her work in promoting repertory theater in the United States. Here is detailed information about her life and career:

Early Life and Background: Eva Le Gallienne was born on January 11, 1899, in London, England, to poet Richard Le Gallienne and journalist Julie Nørregaard. She was exposed to the arts from a young age, which sparked her interest in theater. In 1914, she moved to the United States with her mother after her parents divorced. Le Gallienne's passion for theater grew as she watched performances by legendary actresses like Alla Nazimova and Sarah Bernhardt.

Theatrical Career: Eva Le Gallienne made her professional stage debut in 1915 and achieved recognition with her performance in "Liliom" in 1921. By the mid-1920s, she had become a celebrated Broadway actress. Not satisfied with the commercial theater, she was a prominent figure in the Little Theatre Movement and sought to bring high-quality art to larger audiences at affordable prices.

In 1926, she founded the Civic Repertory Theatre, which she ran until 1935. The repertory theater allowed her to produce, direct, and act in a vast array of plays, including classics like "Peter Pan" and "Alice in Wonderland," which she also adapted herself.

As an actress, Le Gallienne excelled in both classical and contemporary roles, performing works by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Chekhov, and many others. Her commitment to excellence and avoiding commercialization of theater won her respect and admiration from peers and audiences alike.

Directing and Producing: Apart from her acting, Le Gallienne was also a notable director and producer. Her directorial style was known for its simplicity and clarity, bringing the text and actors' performances to the forefront. She was one of a few women directing on Broadway during her time and was a trailblazer for female directors in American theatre.

Personal Life: Le Gallienne was known to have been in relationships with women, which were considered scandalous at the time but were mostly accepted within the theater community. She never publicly addressed her sexuality, valuing her privacy. However, her relationships, including a long-term partnership with actress Marion Evensen, were an open secret.

Later Years and Legacy: Eva Le Gallienne's career spanned nearly eight decades, and she continued acting well into her old age. She appeared on television and occasionally in films, although she always considered theater her first love.

She received numerous accolades for her contributions to the theatre, including the National Medal of Arts in 1986, a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, and an induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

Eva Le Gallienne died on June 3, 1991, at the age of 92. Her legacy endures through her contributions to American theatre, her advocacy for repertory systems, and her determination to elevate theatrical art above commercial interests. Her autobiography, "At 33," provides insights into her early life and career, while her later memoir, "With a Quiet Heart," discusses her philosophy and personal reflections.

For further in-depth information concerning Eva Le Gallienne's life and influence, consider referencing biographies such as Helen Sheehy's "Eva Le Gallienne: A Biography" or exploring archives that contain materials relating to her life and work.

Here is an informative Britannica entry on Eva Le Gallienne, and here you can find details about her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame.