Edward Albee (1928-2016)
Jack Lenor Larsen and the LongHouse community mourn the death of Honorary Trustee and Pulitzer-prize winning author, Edward Albee. Widely considered “the foremost American playwright of his generation (NYT),” Albee was a consistent supporter, frequent visitor, and loyal friend of LongHouse since its inception. His dedication to and love of LongHouse spanned decades.
His generosity was legendary:
- 1992 Becomes member of LH Advisory Council (later named Arts Committee)
- 1995 At his first LongHouse appearance, Albee read from his lesser-known works
- 2001 Albee was the first recipient of the LongHouse Award
- 2003 Albee created a “playlet” at LongHouse; an impromptu performance around thoughts and words suggested by the audience
- 2004 Albee became an Honorary Trustee
- 2005 LHR first Winter Benefit was held in NYC with a performance of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
- 2008 Albee was recognized at the Winter Benefit Gala Dinner. A performance of two of his plays followed at the Cherry Lane Theater
- 2009 LHR Winter Benefit at the Lotus Club featured Albee, reading excerpts from “Counting the Ways”
- 2010 Our Winter Benefit featured an interview of Albee at his art-filled Tribeca loft where he discussed his acquisitions
A frequent attendee at LongHouse events, Albee regularly donated African artifacts from his vast collection to our Summer Benefit, among them, an African Throne Chair. Stating “I’m not a collector, I’m an accumulator,” Albee’s self-deprecating humor, generosity of spirit, and brilliant mind will live on at LongHouse forever. May he rest in peace.