Born in Independence, Kansas,
William Inge taught at Stephens College before coming to St. Louis as the Star-Times drama critic in 1943. Encouraged and inspired by Tennessee Williams,
Inge finished his first play in 1947. While teaching at Washington University from
1946-1949, he wrote the award winning Come Back, Little Sheba. Like Bus Stop (1955)
and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Picnic (1953), it earned acclaim on Broadway and in
Hollywood. His screenplay Splendor In the Grass won an Academy Award in 1962. The
dominant playwright of the 1950s, William Inge captured the essence of Midwestern life.
|
Henry Schvey, Chairman, Performing Arts Department,
Washington University accepted on behalf of Mr. Inge. |