Introduction

Abstract

Edward Albee saw The Zoo Story first performed in German, a language he was unable to understand. By a series of chances the play which had been refused in New York was premiered in 1959 in Berlin, and Europe and saw the debut of the most significant American dramatist of his generation. New York was eager to celebrate the success of Albee and the new writers of the sixties, but at the same time provided a theatrical system which did little to promote their talents. Following a favourable reception in Berlin The Zoo Story was rapidly produced off-Broadway at the Cricket Theatre in a double bill with Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape.