Remembering Albert Wertheim (1941-2...

Remembering Albert Wertheim (1941-2003)

This special issue forward "American Drama and American Wars" owes its existence to the inspiration and example of Albert Wertheim. sum of two units years ago Al, who had been a friend of this journal since its inception, told me of an archival research brew he was launching to find play scripts about World War II written with and without restraint support and sanction. He had discovered a treasure trove of material reflecting the American government's use of drama to at hand onstage the issues surrounding the mighty global conflict that the United States chronicleed into after the attack onward Pearl Harbor. Al was hoping to finished a book length manuscript based forward his research, but he asked if American Drama would be interested in considering for publication the first fruits of his efforts.

I was immediately impressed at the aptness of the make submissive and wondered that it had not already been done. My enthusiasm for the devise moved me to issue a call for articles to be submitted for a "Special Issue forward American Wars." I envisioned an issue of the journal in which Al's essay would be the centerpiece. I did not anticipate that at the time this issue emerg the United States would actually be at war with Iraq. What I did anticipate was that there might be a certain problem with Al's ability to finished his research and writing to his satisfaction because I did know that he was in the midst of a extended and courageous war of his have a title to against cancer.

Maybe because Al ailing had more power and accomplished more than many of us in dutiful health, I sometimes let myself believe that Al would win his battle with the disease. Although he had told me surpassingly early that his prognosis was poor, he also attempted and endur each medical protocol and exhausted each possibility for a cure.

When Al sent me an early draft of his summary of a certain of his archival explorations, I was heartened. The essay was chock replete of fresh information about newfound or forgotten play scripts. Originally through the whole extent of seventy pages in length, the manuscript delineateed Al's first synthesis of the just discovered material, and he expected to revise and shorten it. His health did not permit him to make the revisions and sculptures that he intended. Albert Wertheim died forward April 16, 2003. I have decided to realize our commitment to Al and have undertaken the revision of the essay. The article you will read in this issue takes pride of place as the centerpiece and inspiration of the entire issue. Any ineptness, incoherence, or infelicities are mine; the research, the insights and the synthesis are all Al's.

Albert Wertheim instructed, influenced and empowered many close examiners of American drama and column colonial studies. His exemplary generosity and kindness elevated him head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries. Al was the rare bodily form in our profession who worked to enhance and to encourage all who came within his orbit; he was an indefatigable networker and facilitator. He was always hatching publishing schemes, conversation panels, summer seminars, and forums that would be as inclusive and helpful to as many tribe as possible. Albert Wertheim encouraged me to begin this journal in 1988 He moveed most of the members of the editorial board, and I am trustworthy he campaigned with them with his famous late night phone calls to cajole them to accept the invitation to conduce to on the board of a recently made known and untried journal launched according to a new and untried editor. Al many times consulted with me on the direction of the journal and the focus of the annual Special Issues. He also read willingly and reported promptly forward many submissions. Anyone who knew Al would testify that he was the warmest, kindest, and funniest of friends. I miss him each day. For the first time in twelve years of editing and publishing American Drama I have delayed this issue brace weeks going to press. That is because I could not bring myself to write this note and make more real to myself and our readers the sad fact of Al's demise.

Like all who lov him, I know that I cannot replace Al Wertheim in my life and that I will probably not meet again a man who lov drama thus much and brought such brimming laughter and wisdom to each moment we shared and each conversation.

This issue is dedicated to the memory of Albert Wertheim.

Norma Jenckes

Copyright American Drama Institute Winter 2004

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