Best Revenge: How Theater Saved My Life and Has Been Killing Me Ever Since [Paperback]

Stephen Fife (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1885942249 | ISBN-13: 978-1885942241 | Publication Date: October 2003

A middle-aged playwright -- in conflict with his ex-wife, his current girlfriend, and a legion of creditors -- journeys from Hollywood to Atlanta to work with his youthful idol, legendary avant-garde director Joseph Chaikin. Thus begins a roller coaster ride of a very unusual sort, combining personal revelations with theatrical obsessions, a step-by-step disclosure of a master director's rehearsal process with a search for spiritual truth (and a decent night's sleep). Just hop aboard and get a backstage pass to the 'holding-on-by-your-fingernails' reality of the contemporary American theatre.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1998, Fife was ecstatic when playwright Joseph Chaikin agreed to direct his adaptation of Scholem Asch's 1905 Yiddish play, God of Vengeance, in Atlanta. Chaikin, founder of the seminal Open Theater, was Fife's hero, but as rehearsals progressed, the icon developed feet of clay. This revelation, and Fife's acceptance of it, forms the book's core. Sprinkled throughout the chronicle of the production is Fife's autobiography, a humorous, cautionary tale of a struggling playwright. Starting in 1992 with the development of the Asch adaptation for New York's Jewish Rep Theater, Fife ably conveys the frustration of producing theater and the infuriating encounters with the egos involved. He bitterly writes about actor F. Murray Abraham and the JRT's artistic director Ran Avni. His revenge should have been the Atlanta revival, but as Sondheim wrote, "Art isn't easy." Moreover, once Fife begins documenting his time in the South, he discloses every last detail, from his problems finding lodging to his confrontation with a restaurateur who forces him to eat the "World's Greatest Humus sic." Most of these anecdotes are amusing, but even comic whining can get tiresome. When not being cranky, Fife shares keen insights into God of Vengeance and lovingly portrays the brilliant but disabled Chaikin, though this care markedly contrasts with Fife's nasty treatment of his ex-wife, current girlfriend and mother. Furthermore, he shamelessly name-drops, listing actors and directors with whom he's had peripheral encounters. Still, this is an amusing look at backstage antics for theater lovers. FYI: The book includes the play script for God of Vengeance.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"An hysterically funny yet deliciously heartbreaking memoir of a young playwright's struggle for recognition." -- Mark Rydell, Oscar-nominated director

"Intelligent, personal and funny-- just like good theatre!" -- Julia Miles, Artistic Director, The Women's Project

"Required reading for any aspiring artist." -- Mark Rydell

Best Revenge is a mordantly witty reminiscence from the killing fields known as the Off-Broadway and Regional American theatre." -- David Garfield, author of “The Actors Studio: A Player’s Place.” --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cune (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885942249
• ISBN-13: 978-1885942241
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,880,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real page-turner, January 8, 2004

By 

Bill Garrity (NYC, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best Revenge: How Theater Saved My Life and Has Been Killing Me Ever Since (Paperback)

I know that a book is good when I have to put everything else on hold until I finish it. This one grabbed me right from the beginning. On the very first page I felt as though I was the playwright, experiencing the highs and lows of being accepted, rejected and accepted again as an artist. This book was a lot of fun, full of dry wit and good humor. I especially enjoyed getting the inside track into the world of Broadway and film and finding out from a first-hand source what some of those Oscar-winning superstar actors are REALLY like.

5.0 out of 5 stars So true it hurt!, January 1, 2011

By 

Lisa Bansavage - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best Revenge: How Theater Saved My Life and Has Been Killing Me Ever Since (Paperback)

OMG. Love, LOVE, love this book to pieces! So truthful it hurts. How can anyone this scathing be more funny than bitter? Stories are vivid, loaded with charm, and don't spare anyone, least of all the author. I am loving this book and will be sorry to finish it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Put It Down, February 7, 2005

By 

Denise Robb (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Best Revenge: How Theater Saved My Life and Has Been Killing Me Ever Since (Paperback)

It may sound weird to compare a book about a Jewish playwright's memoir about his career and working with famous director Joe Chaikin to Erica Jong - however, that's what came to mind. I remember when I first read "Fear of Flying" I was so taken with the character, so intrigued by her life and her adventures, that I took the book everywhere with me. This book has Chinese food all over it because I would cross the street from my home to the local Chinese restaurant, sit at the table each night, and spill food on it while enjoying every single word. It is hysterical, very moving and gives one a great deal of insight into the world of a neurotic playwright who is struggling with personal demons - and having the ride of his life. I'm glad the author took us with him.