Ruth Draper

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Ruth Draper (December 2, 1884 - December 30, 1956) was an American dramatist. She specialized in character-driven monologues and monodrama. Her best known pieces include "The Italian Lesson," "Three Women and Mr. Clifford," "Doctors and Diets," and "A Church in Italy." Draper's live performances captivated audiences all over the world. Such theatre legends as George Bernard Shaw, Thornton Wilder, John Gielgud, Katharine Hepburn, Maurice Chevalier, Laurence Olivier, and Uta Hagen were among those dazzled by her art. Henry James, Henry Adams, and Edith Wharton were equally impressed. Draper died in 1956, aged 72, just hours after giving a performance on Broadway.

Recordings of Draper's monologues, which are still available on compact disc, have influenced many contemporary writers and performers, including Lily Tomlin, Mike Nichols, Julie Harris, Simon Callow, Emma Thompson, Charles Busch, David Mamet, Julia Sweeney and John Lithgow.