Dramaturgical Resources
2008
You Can't Take It With You
By George S. Kaufmann, Moss Hart
Over the course of the season, our assistant directors and student dramaturgs will be compiling dramaturgical resources relating to each production as it develops. Below are some links to websites which relate to the history of the play, the biography of the playwright, and sites that contextualize and, we hope, shed light on the directorial approach to the dramatic material.
We hope you find these resources of interest.
(left) George S. Kaufman (1889-1961) and (right) Moss Hart (1904-1961)
You Can’t Take it With You was written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.
George S. Kaufman’s biography, as well as many other interesting facts about him, can be found here.
Here you can find a concise biography of Kaufman's collaborator and co-writer, Moss Hart.
You Can’t Take it With You was adapted for the screen and received two Oscars. The film’s director was the very famous, Frank Capra.
Here you can find information about the movie: its cast and crew, as well as details of its plot, release date, and awards.
Here are reviews by contemporary film critics of the movie.
The UR International Theatre Program’s production has derived its inspiration from—amongst other things—the photography of Nan Goldin. Here you can find biographical information on the artist, as well as a sampling of her work.
The production is also influenced by the politics of the time in which it was written, specifically from the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt...
particularly, the first 100 days…
Musically, the production has been influenced by bands such as the decemberists. Here you can find a great deal of information about the band, including a discography.