David Mamet is a Pulitzer Prize–winning American playwright, screenwriter, director, novelist, and essayist, born November 30, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. He is renowned for his breakthrough in theater during the 1970s with works like American Buffalo and Sexual Perversity in Chicago, later earning the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Glengarry Glen Ross. His distinctive writing style—sharp, staccato dialogue, often referred to as "Mamet‑speak"—redefined modern theatrical and cinematic storytelling. Beyond the stage, Mamet penned acclaimed screenplays for The Verdict, The Untouchables, and Wag the Dog, earning Academy Award nominations, and has directed notable films such as House of Games and Homicide. He also co-founded the Atlantic Theater Company, has taught at prestigious institutions like Yale, NYU, and Goddard College, and authored novels, essays, and memoirs. His new book, Recollections of St Ives, is out now.
We had a very interesting discussion with David about how he first started writing, and what keeps him going today. We also talk about the differences in writing for the screen, stage and page, and he tells us why he wanted to write his latest novel, Some Recollections of St Ives.
Links:
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