Opening Doors

John Doyle, at some point in this work, shares that he hopes he has opened doors for someone. The truth is, I am one of what I am sure is many of the people behind some of the doors he has opened. In this honest, self-reflective piece, John so beautifully and succinctly shares of his experience in theatre and the passion with which he pursues the opportunity to create art that is connective tissue for humanity and a reflection of the time we live in. I can say from personal experience that reading this comes a close second only to listening to him, for it is almost as if he is in the room with you. His dulcet Scottish lilt is even in his writing, don’t let that fool you, for there is always biting conviction to follow, and follow we shall. * Cynthia Erivo *
With this incisive, deeply personal and entertaining book John continues to open doors that will inspire and enlighten his readers just as he has for me. * Patti LuPone *
John Doyle has been one of my favourite directors for many years. He always tells the story of the play with such clarity and artistry. Now, I think he is one of my favourite writers. I was very moved by the way he writes about his life and his work. It is essential reading for anyone who loves Theatre. * Donna McKechnie *
Some of the most joyful and profoundly rewarding memories I have of my life in the theatre have been the bits of life spent in a rehearsal room with John Doyle. In this marvellous book, John leaves the door open for a curious reader to share some of the insight, questioning, playfulness, rigour, celebration and deep respect for humanity in the form of an actor in a space that the sandbox of a rehearsal room led by John will always be. John’s work has always aimed unerringly at paring everything (a performance, a story, a production, a gesture) down to its essence. In his humbly ferocious way, John gives us a memoir that is a guide, an invitation, an inspiration, an absolute treat, and nothing less than essential. * Michael Cerveris *
During the summer of 2017, I performed as Touchstone in a production of Shakespeare's As You Like It. John Doyle was both the Producing Artistic Director of Classic Stage Company, and director of the play. John suffered my performance while teaching me a sobering lesson about essentialism. In his new book, Opening Doors, John achieves a similar service regarding the three taboo subjects we all were taught to avoid discussing--"sex, religion and politics." Just as he opened the door to more authentic acting for me, John also opens the door to the truth, that the inclusion of woman power, equity of LGBTQ# rights, and the acceptance of legitimacy and legacy for people of color are necessary to making the 21st century an authentic one. When life is manipulated to not reflect art, then art must liberate the reflection life. * André De Shields *
John Doyle has written an exhilarating account of a rich, vigorous, complex, courageous life in the theater. When you get to the end of it you may well ask yourself, as I did--well what the hell have I been doing? A wonderful, rewarding read. * John Weidman *