Peter Shaffer author page

Peter Shaffer biography

Peter Shaffer was a British playwright and screenwriter known for his work in theatre and film. He was born in Liverpool, England. Shaffer studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he read history. He began his career in the arts as a literary critic and broadcaster before turning to playwriting.

Shaffer’s first play, Five Finger Exercise, premiered in London in 1958 and later transferred to Broadway, where it won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Foreign Play. He gained further recognition with The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1964), which was produced by the National Theatre in London.

Among his most notable works is Equus (1973), a psychological drama that explores themes of passion and worship. The play premiered at the National Theatre and won the 1975 Tony Award for Best Play. Another significant work, Amadeus (1979), examines the rivalry between composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Amadeus was first staged at the National Theatre and later adapted by Shaffer into an Academy Award-winning film directed by Miloš Forman.

Shaffer’s other plays include Black Comedy (1965), Lettice and Lovage (1987), and Yonadab (1985). His works have been produced internationally and are studied in schools and universities.

Peter Shaffer was knighted in 2001 for his services to drama. His play Amadeus won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1981.